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[Presto]

SuperCoach: Five under-the-radar defenders to give your side a point of difference
In SuperCoach, nothing beats picking a player that none of your mates have and seeing it pay off. Here’s five under-the-radar defenders to consider for your team.
Tarquin Oakley
2 min read
February 13, 2024 - 6:00AM
We’ve looked at some popular picks to fill your defensive line in SuperCoach, but now we’re looking at the under-the-radar picks to help you stand out from the rest.
These guys can help you get ahead if the selection pays off, or leave you falling behind if they fail.
Another important note is that these five highlighted players don’t play in Opening Round, which means they’ll play an extra week compared to high-owned picks Nick Daicos and Zac Williams who have early-season byes.
Let’s check out a handful of point-of-difference (POD) options.
*OWNERSHIP FIGURES AS OF FEBRUARY 12
LUKE RYAN 3.1%
Price: $611,800
The Docker had a career-best SuperCoach year in 2023 averaging 109.5 points across all 23 games. Ryan didn’t post a score below 83 for the entire year and cracked the ton 14 times, including massive scores of 171 in round 1 and 168 in round 17. The 28-year old takes plenty of kick-ins and with popular pick Hayden Young moving to the midfield Ryan will get even more this year to boost his SuperCoach scoring. If you’re looking for consistency, Ryan is your man.
Verdict: Ryan is a gun but at over $600k you’d likely be picking him over one of Daicos, Sicily or Stewart. It’s a chance to stand out from the rest, but if he falls behind those three stars you will fall behind majority of SuperCoaches.
DAN HOUSTON 4.8%
Price: $593,100
Another expensive player but Houston is in his peak at 26-years old could be going to another level in 2024. The Port defender posted a career-best average of 106.1 last year and was another player to showcase his huge ceiling with scores of 146, 156 and 176 between round 14 and round 18. He also has a great bye in round 13 where just the Power and Dockers have a week off.
Verdict: The All-Australian is increasing his SuperCoach output year by year and if he bumps that average to above 110 coaches who start Houston will be chuffed.
JORDAN RIDLEY 5.8%
Price: $530,300
Ridley had an interrupted campaign last season but you only have to look at his final nine games to see how he can be a great asset to your SuperCoach team. The Bomber averaged 109.2 in those matches and it would have been more if he wasn’t forced off the ground with injury around halfway through two of those games.
Verdict: Ridley could be a POD to coaches picking Hayden Young at a similar price of $525,100. With Ben McKay joining the Dons, if Ridley is given more free reign to play as an interceptor across half back he is a great option.
DANIEL RIOLI 0.9%
Price: $485,700
If you look at Rioli’s SuperCoach scoring in the last month of 2023 you might think it’s crazy to consider the premiership Tiger. Scores of 43, 53, 58 and 42 to finish the season doesn’t make good viewing, but Rioli was carrying an injury and battled on up forward for Richmond. He’s now set to return to the backline and those low scores have helped bring his price down to a touch over $485k.
Verdict: Rioli could be a hidden gem in SuperCoach this year and like Houston the 26-year old should be entering the prime years of his career.
MASSIMO D’AMBROSIO 1.9%
Price: $224,900
The Hawks love D’Ambrosio’s left foot and if the former Don plays in round 1 he should be on your radar. Hawthorn did just lose Seamus Mitchell to a jaw injury, which may push D’Ambrosio’s selection claims with one of the players vying for a position across half back being unavailable for their season opener. If Blake Hardwick completes his move forward, look for D’Ambrosio to take more kick-ins as well.
Verdict: Definitely a wait and see on form in the pre-season games as well as team selection for round 1.

 

[Shannon]

AFL SuperCoach 2024: The Phantom’s rookie rankings in every position
A lot of names are thrown around over the pre-season – but who are the SuperCoach rookies you need to pick? The Phantom ranks the best cheapies in defence.

The Phantom

4 min read
February 13, 2024 - 1:24PM

The key to success in SuperCoach is nailing your rookie-price selections.

To help you start sorting the good from the bad, I’ve ranked the best cheapies in defence — with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.

1. Nick Coffield
WB, $123,900
SC Ave 2023: 83 (VFL)

The former top-10 draft pick played 16 of 17 games and averaged 72 points in a career-best season in Covid-affected 2020. He then finished with 17 disposals, nine marks and 95 points in the semi-final loss to Richmond. But, after an inconsistent 2021 season, Coffield tore his ACL the next summer and hasn’t played at AFL level since. The 24-year-old was traded from St Kilda in October and he’s relishing a “fresh start” at the club he supported as a kid. Importantly, Coffield, who scored 114 points in his first VFL game for two years in July, has fitted in well on the track and with Taylor Duryea now 32 and Hayden Crozier delisted, there might be a spot in defence for him.

The Phantom’s Verdict: There’s risk, and still some unknown with Coffield, but he ticks enough boxes at $123k to the hold the No. 1 spot – for now.

2. Josh Gibcus
Rich, $150,700
SC Ave 2023: DNP

After hamstring injuries wiped out last year, the highly-rated Tiger looks ready to finally build on his solid debut season of 2021. Gibcus travelled to Qatar in December to receive specialist treatment, setting the foundation for a pre-season block that has seen the 20-year-old remind onlookers of his aerial prowess in defence. Intercept possessions equal big SuperCoach points and there might be none better at Richmond than Gibcus – who tallied 18 disposals, three intercept marks and 102 points in just his fourth senior game in 2022 – very soon.

The Phantom’s February 13 Verdict: A fit Gibcus will be given every chance in a developing Richmond side. Looms as an on-field option.

3. Marty Hore
Melb, $123,900
SC Ave 2023: 122 (VFL)

The SuperCoach rookie hero of 2019 is back. After being plucked from the VFL as a mature-age selection in the 2018 national draft, Hore averaged 88 points – and added a huge $300k to his price tag – in his first nine games at the top level. He was delisted after a knee injury ruined his 2021 campaign, but after back-to-back selections in the VFL team of the year, and a 122-point SuperCoach average in 2023, Hore is back at the Demons and back in the rookie conversation.

The Phantom’s February 13 Verdict: Hore, who averaged five intercept marks per game for Williamstown last season, is an on-field lock if he slots straight back into Melbourne’s side. And, if it’s looking like he will do just that, then he won’t be at No. 3 on this list for long.

4. Dan Curtin
Adel, $175,800, Mid
SC Ave 2023: 137 (U18 Champs)

It’s true, the 197cm Curtin scored 138 and 136 SuperCoach points playing as a midfielder at the national under-18 carnival – but it’s in defence where the No. 8 pick could have an immediate impact at West Lakes. Adelaide is short on tall defenders and the neat-kicking left-footer, who has settled in well on the track, averaged 17 disposals, six intercepts and 86 points in six impressive senior games for Claremont, showing he can more than hold his own against the bigger bodies.

The Phantom’s February 13 Verdict: Curtin has overcome a slight knee issue to return to the main group at West Lakes. He’s made a big early impression – but will the Crows throw him in straight away? A big pre-season games watch.

5. Kallan Dawson
NM, $183,300
SC Ave 2023: 68 (VFL)

When Fantasy Freako speaks SuperCoach, we listen. And the Champion Data expert has not only identified Dawson as a potential cash cow in 2024, but he’s picked the Roos mid-season draftee in his team. After an impressive three-game stretch in the VFL, which saw him average 20 disposals, six spoils, three intercept marks and 106 SuperCoach points, Dawson was promoted for his first senior game of the season in round 23. The 25-year-old, who was picked from the state-league half way through 2022, took another two intercept marks against the Suns and has his eye on a spot in a Ben McKay-less North Melbourne defence.

The Phantom’s February 13 Verdict: Might keep another potential SuperCoach cash cow in the basement-price Toby Pink out the North Melbourne side early. But we shouldn’t be looking at that as a negative.

NEXT IN LINE
Zach Reid

Ess $123,900
SC Ave 2023: 44 (2 VFL games)

Zach Reid in full training is great news for SuperCoaches and Bombers fans alike. The 202cm defender, who is a terrific ball user, played eight games in his first two years on Essendon’s list, scoring 60 points or more in three of his first five. But he’s battled multiple injury issues along the way, with the pick 10 from the 2022 draft managing just two VFL appearances last season. But a fit Reid has caught the eye on the track, with Essendon footy boss Daniel McPherson telling Melbourne radio the club is “really excited about what he could do in the side”.

The Phantom’s Verdict: Not much between the last few here and Reid’s $123k price tag might end up be his trump card.

THE SMOKY
Charlie Edwards

Adel, $117,300, Mid
SC Ave 2023: 87 (Coates League)

“He’d be close”. That was the response from star Crow Taylor Walker when asked about Edwards’ round 1 chances. Remember, it was Walker who, at this time last year, said tipped Max Michalanney to have a big impact in his first year. Michalanney went on to play 22 games. Big-bodied midfielder Edwards, who started his draft year at half-back, has spent time training at half-forward during his first summer at West Lakes and has the size, breakaway speed and penetrating kick to help improved Adelaide’s side in the short term.

The Phantom’s Verdict: Just put his name on the watchlist for now.

 

[Ben's Beasts]

Hmm, I would say Hore is quite unlikely at this stage.

 

[dlanod]

Hmm, I would say Hore is quite unlikely at this stage.

Glad it's not just me. I haven't gotten all this hype on him - but I suspect it'll either ease off come the preseason or go nuts if he does actually cement a spot somehow.

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach: Five low-owned midfielders that might give your team an edge
Sometimes a point of difference can set your midfield apart. We look at five options owned by less than five per cent of SuperCoaches, including two Brownlow medallists.
Max Stainkamph and Tarquin Oakley
3 min read
February 14, 2024 - 12:00PM
The midfield has traditionally been the home of the guns and rookies strategy, with the highest point-scoring players in the game running around in the centre bounce.
It’s normally where SuperCoaches play it safe and conservative, splashing cash on popular, big selections like Marcus Bontempelli (32 per cent ownership), Nick Daicos (61 per cent, who’s also defence eligible) and Sam Walsh (33 per cent), but sometimes a point of difference (POD) can set your midfield apart.
Jack Macrae was in less than one per cent of sides during his breakout season, propelling those who started him well into the top 1000.
Through personnel changes at their clubs or role changes for themselves, here are five guys who might just give you the edge in your leagues.
*OWNERSHIP FIGURES AS OF FEBRUARY 13
LACHIE NEALE 4.2%
Price: $617,000
It’s not often you get a reigning Brownlow medallist coming in at under five per cent ownership. Neale has an ugly round 2 bye that has clearly swayed coaches to look elsewhere, but what if you didn’t? Back your team’s depth to cover the Lion’s absence in that bye week and hope that Neale can bash out some 120s and 130s in the opening couple of months of the season which he’s more than capable of doing.
Verdict: Neale is a proven SuperCoach jet, but can he push that 110 average from 2023 back to over 120 to make his selection worthwhile given his round 2 bye? Might be a trade-in option to look at in round 3 after he’s played a couple of games.
TIM KELLY 0.5%
Price: $574,100
Am I saying Tim Kelly, who turns 30 this year and just completed his second season averaging more than 100, is set for a breakout year?
No.
But I’m not not saying it.
Kelly averaged 103 last season as part of a woeful West Coast midfield which was battered from pillar to post in 2023. In his side’s three wins, he scored 121, 91, and 127 at an average of 113, and his final five games of the season – with slightly more midfield support around him – he averaged 115.5, including a mammoth 146 in the final round against the Crows. It’s not like the Eagles can be any worse in 2024 than they were in 2023, and with the development of some stronger young mids around him and – hopefully for West Coast fans – some more wins, Kelly might be able to up that average to 110.
Verdict: At time of writing he is in just 364 sides – 0.5 per cent of teams. I’m not currently one of them, but boy I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted.
NIC MARTIN 4.2%
Price: $492,800
The fact Essendon managed to sign this guy as a SSP selection continues to blow my mind. Martin was a superstar for us at $102k in his debut year and could again be a gun for us in his third. He’s been slated for a move to half back this year and as one of the Bombers’ best users of the pill I have no doubt they’ll look to get it into his hands as often as possible. Martin will start as a mid only, but is a monty to pick up defensive status – alongside Karl Amon – after round 6 finishes. Will he be a top 10 midfielder? Certainly not. Will he be a top eight defender? He’d be giving it a decent crack, and at less than $500,000, that’s cash money. Not only that, but Martin also doesn’t have a bye in SuperCoach until midway through the season.
Verdict: He’s owned by a tick under 3000 coaches (four per cent of coaches) and has shown he can get off the chain with seven scores of 120 or more last season. I suspect getting him out of Essendon’s forward line (which was woeful last year) will help him have fewer than the 10 games he had scoring under 80 in 2023.
KARL AMON 2.3%
Price: $483,300
Amon may be in this article classed as a midfielder but after round 6 you should have the option to move him into defence as well. The Hawk is set to play behind the ball, where he averaged 108.8 in the final five rounds off 2023, which will see him gain dual-position status as a DEF-MID. There could be free points from kick-ins there for the taking as well if Blake Hardwick completes his move forward.
Verdict: A couple of big scores at half back in the pre-season games will see Amon’s ownership rapidly increase. I’d be jumping on as well if that’s the case.
OLLIE WINES 3.3%
Price: $463,600
Ken Hinkley has declared that Wines “will play inside mid and he will stay inside mid” in 2024. After he was pushed out onto a wing and even half forward last year, Wines is set to get back to doing what he does best at the coal face. The 29-year old averaged 112.5 points a game in his Brownlow year of 2021, followed by 105.5 in 2022 and then came his drop off to just 83 in 2023. I’d be confident in that number pushing triple digits again this season.
Verdict: If Wines can return to his best in his preferred role, he’s a bargain buy.

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach intel: Pre-season training whispers from every club
SuperCoach forward lines have been dealt another blow after Jack Macrae suffered a pre-season injury setback. Get the latest training intel here.
Tim Michell
@tim_michell
7 min read
February 14, 2024 - 3:40PM
As the opening round of the AFL season and the first lockout of SuperCoach draw closer, it’s crucial coaches stay across the latest pre-season whispers from around the country.
This week there’s been key updates on Harley Reid, Daniel Curtin, Harry Sheezel, Tom Stewart and Finlay Macrae — just to name a few.
Scroll down for a club-by-club run down on the latest track notes you need to know before selecting your SuperCoach side.
ADELAIDE
There were concerns when the Crows’ top draftee Daniel Curtin ($175,800 DEF-MID) started a recent match sim in the B team. But teammate Rory Laird told SEN he expects Curtin to be in the mix for a round 1 debut and Curtin switched to the A side later in that session. Luke Nankervis ($243,700 DEF) looks to be a bolter for round 1 after impressing playing at halfback. Nankervis averaged 96 ranking points in the SANFL last season.
BRISBANE
Logan Morris ($117,300 FWD) did his chances of an early-season debut no harm when he booted five goals in a recent intraclub match. Morris averaged 95 ranking points in the Coates League last season and was taken at pick 31 by the Lions in last year’s draft. It’s likely he is a fair way down the pecking order still. Darcy Gardiner ($187,800 DEF) also played forward in a surprise switch. It was noted Keidean Coleman ($398,800 DEF) was prolific and Kai Lohmann ($150,900 FWD) was predominantly in the A side.
CARLTON
Teammate Blake Acres has provided an update on the fitness of Zac Williams ($216,100 DEF) — who features in more than 60 per cent of SuperCoach teams. While not guaranteeing Williams would be fit for round 1, Acres said the half-back flanker would be “close” in his bid to return from an ACL injury and play his first game since round 23, 2022. He told 3AW: “I do a lot of work with him … we sort of work together a fair bit. I’ve just been poking at him and asking if he’s going to be right for round 0 …”
“He’s just excited to get back out and play footy to be honest. He’s been training the house down and sort of a new recruit for us. I’m pumped to get him out there and hopefully get a game with him soon.”
COLLINGWOOD
There is a buzz building around Reef McInnes ($123,900 FWD), who looks to be leading the race to fill Daniel McStay’s role in the Collingwood forward set-up. McInnes partnered Brody Mihocek in attack during a recent match sim hitout. Finlay Macrae ($152,600 FWD) continues to find plenty of the footy in intrasquad matches, although Channel 7 reported he was in the B team this week. Former Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle is the frontrunner to land a SSP spot on the Magpies list. Teakle averaged 54 ranking points in the SANFL last season and 63 ranking points in four AFL appearances. Footscray VFL star Lochie Sullivan — who averaged 131 ranking points last season — is another in the mix.
ESSENDON
The Bombers’ top draftee Nate Caddy ($166,800 FWD) reportedly underwent scans on his back this week. Channel 9 reported Caddy landed awkwardly during match sim but Essendon insisted it was a precautionary scan. Caddy was in the B team for at least part of that hitout. Zach Reid ($123,900 DEF) was in the A team and the Bombers are said to be buoyed by his pre-season. Meanwhile, Mason Redman has backed Nic Martin ($492,800 MID) to flourish after his move to the backline, while Zach Merrett has named Darcy Parish ($604,200 MID) as Essendon’s pre-season standout.
FREMANTLE
Popular defensive pick Heath Chapman ($251,700 DEF) is “unlikely” to be fit for round 1 after going down with a hamstring injury. While the Dockers said an exact time frame had yet to be determined, Chapman’s injury history suggests the club’s round 1 match against Brisbane on March 17 is a long shot. Nat Fyfe ($283,200 FWD-MID) only played a half of match sim before going through some running drills. Cooper Simpson ($117,300 FWD-MID) continues to impress.
GEELONG
Tom Stewart ($635,300 DEF) has rubbished suggestions he could play as a full-time midfielder this year, telling Channel 7 the idea had been “blown way out of proportion”. Stewart said when asked what position he would play this year: “Back pocket. That’s where I think I have earmarked myself. That’s where a lot of my career has been played and will continue to be played. He added: “A passing remark got blown way out of proportion and we have got too many quality midfielders to have me in there.” One of those is Tanner Bruhn ($384,400 MID) who blitzed a recent match sim. Max Holmes ($446,000 MID) has been trialled at halfback.
GOLD COAST
Alex Sexton’s ($133,400 FWD) switch to halfback appears to be real. Suns co-captain Touk Miller was quizzed about likely positional changes on 3AW and said of Sexton:
“Really fast, good kick and I feel like it just helps with his strengths.” However, he cautioned the extra flexibility would help Gold Coast throughout the year, not necessarily that Sexton would be in the round 0 — or round 1 team.
GWS GIANTS
It’s saying something when your own club website says you “look ready to explode”. The Giants have done nothing to downplay their excitement about Finn Callaghan ($408,600 MID), who is enjoying a dominant pre-season. The club also noted mid-season draftee Wade Derksen ($123,900 FWD) had been moved to defence where he has played as a third tall. Teammate Kieren Briggs said he was bullish about the progress of No. 1 draftee Aaron Chadman ($127,600 FWD).
HAWTHORN
Not a lot of noise coming out of Waverley, but one interesting note came from an interview key forward Mitch Lewis conducted with SEN. Asked about the club’s midfield mix, Lewis named Karl Amon ($483,300 MID) as a wingman. SuperCoaches have been hoping Amon will reprise the role he finished last year in playing behind the ball. It’s possible of course that Lewis is just accustomed to Amon patrolling the wing.
MELBOURNE
Could Melbourne’s forward line woes mean more time in attack early in the season for Christian Petracca ($667,700 MID)? Harrison Petty and Shane McAdam missed a recent hitout and Ben Brown won’t be available early in the season. It was noted Petracca spent time in attack during a recent match sim hitout, which Clayton Oliver ($674,100 MID) was also part of. The Demons might have two standout forward rookies in their round 0 — or round 1 — team, with Bailey Laurie ($125,200 FWD) spending plenty of time in the middle and top draftee Caleb Windsor ($180,300 FWD-MID) shining on a wing.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Zac Fisher ($378,600 FWD) was still training with the rehab group late last week after a hamstring setback. George Wardlaw ($365,400 MID) was managed at a recent training session, but that should not cause alarm considering his past problems with hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, Roos best and fairest and rising star winner Harry Sheezel ($556,200 DEF) says it’s still up in the air where his best position will be. “I am not too sure. I obviously played a lot of halfback last year, so I’ve got the confidence to go back there. Might start the year there and see where I end up. I have spent a lot of time in the midfield over the pre-season as well learning that role,” he told Channel 7.
PORT ADELAIDE
Ken Hinkley has provided an insight into Ollie Wines’ ($463,600 MID) struggles last year and a defiant declaration about the Brownlow medallist’s role for 2024. Speaking to Mark Robinson, Hinkley said Wines would play “inside mid and he will stay inside mid.” Hinkley added: “His issue last year was really simple and really clear, he was underprepared to play the level he had set. He did his absolute best to hang in there and by the end we had the emergence of Horne-Francis, who had come to the club, and Rozee and Butters had to get more midfield time.
“By his own admission, Ollie wasn’t at his best. Right now, he’s in really good shape, he hasn’t missed.”

 

[Presto]

RICHMOND
Toby Nankervis has been managing a sore foot, reports the AFL website. The news potentially bringing former Sydney ruckman Sam Naismith ($123,900 RUC) into the frame to feature early in the season. Naismith averaged 98 ranking points in the VFL last year.
Another that had largely flown under the radar this pre-season was the suggestion that Daniel Rioli ($485,700 DEF) might become part of Richmond’s midfield mix. But that seems unlikely, with Rioli telling the Herald Sun he would be staying in defence. There were good signs for SuperCoaches from a recent match sim, with Josh Gibcus ($150,700 DEF) showing promising signs and Thomson Dow ($254,800 MID) prolific. Another strong performer was Tyler Sonsie ($150,900 FWD) but he will miss the early rounds due to suspension. Meanwhile, Liam Baker ($445,600 DEF-FWD) has indicated he will spend more time in midfield.
ST KILDA
A name who keeps coming up in pre-season reports is No. 50 draft pick Hugo Garcia ($117,300 FWD-MID). He averaged 125 ranking points in the Coates League last season. Marcus Windhager ($323,500 DEF-MID) appears to have transitioned into an inside midfield role.
SYDNEY
Track watcher and AFL journo Lachie McKirdy is hot on the new halfback pairing of Nick Blakey ($499,600 DEF) and Matt Roberts ($156,800 MID). Roberts in particular will be of interest to SuperCoaches, especially if he performs well in round 0. Errol Gulden ($622,100 MID) missed a few recent sessions with the flu, but that’ll be of little concern come round 1.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Just when you thought the premium forwards stock couldn’t get more bleak, Jack Macrae ($558,400 FWD-MID) has suffered a hamstring injury. Fox Sports’ Drew Jones reported Macrae was in “major doubt” for a practice match against Hawthorn next week and missed match sim on Wednesday due to the injury setback. Meanwhile, the word out of Whitten Oval is that popular SuperCoach cheapie Nick Coffield ($123,900 DEF) could be competing with another potential cash cow Buku Khamis ($123,900 FWD) for a round 1 spot. Considering the depth of forward rookie options, most SuperCoaches would prefer if Coffield gets the nod. If he does, lock him in on your defensive bench. Track watchers have noted Jason Johannisen ($416,600 DEF) as the main distributor coming out of the backline.
WEST COAST
Adam Simpson has warned SuperCoaches (and to a lesser extent, West Coast fans) to expect top draftee Harley Reid ($207,300 FWD-MID) to be managed throughout 2024. Simpson told the AFL website: “He won’t be playing every game I wouldn’t have thought. We need to look after him to a certain degree.” That news should make those thinking about running with a full rookie forward line — or even Reid at F2 — reason to think twice. The other rookie impressing out west is Clay Hall ($117,300 MID), who continues to win rave reviews. Hall played seven WAFL seniors games last year, averaging 72 ranking points.

 

[Munkea]

GWS GIANTS
Teammate Kieren Briggs said he was bullish about the progress of No. 1 draftee Aaron Chadman ($127,600 FWD).

 

[Presto]

AFL SuperCoach 2024: The Phantom’s rookie rankings Midfie;ders
A lot of names are thrown around over the pre-season – but who are the SuperCoach rookies you need to pick? The Phantom ranks the best cheapies in the midfield.
The Phantom
8 min read
February 16, 2024 - 6:00AM
The key to success in SuperCoach is nailing your rookie-price selections.
To help you start sorting the good from the bad, I’ve ranked the best cheapies in midfield and defence — with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.
MIDFIELD
1. Ryley Sanders
WB, $184,800
SC Ave: 170 (U18 Champs)
The Bulldogs draftee scored 127, 178, 152, 210, 160, 151, 161, 144, 126, 137, 184, 118 and 118 last year. They aren’t his top scores, they are his SuperCoach tallies in every match he played in 2023 across the under-18 national carnival and Coates League. Sanders is a SuperCoach scoring weapon in the making, who averaged 36 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight score involvements, six marks, five and clearances and four tackles for the Allies in their title-winning campaign. And he’s hit the ground running at the Bulldogs, turning heads over summer through the midfield.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: With the ability to play inside and outside, Sanders appears on track for a round 1 debut. Lock him in.

Colby McKercher in full flight during North Melbourne’s intra-club. Picture: Michael Klein
2. Colby McKercher
NM, $202,800
SC Ave: 150 (U18 Champs)
First Nick Daicos dominated across half-back in his debut season. Then Harry Sheezel did it last year. Now, it might be McKercher’s turn, with the 18-year-old – drafted has a classy, neat-kicking midfielder with a serious burst of speed – impressing in a similar role at North Melbourne over summer. He’s been so good, Roos captain Jy Simpkin was left to say nothing but “holy crap” when quizzed about McKercher’s pre-season to date. The left-footer booted 12 goals and averaged 29 disposals and 144 SuperCoach points for the Tassie Devils in the Coates League in 2023.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: Worth the top-end price tag. Don’t miss out!
3. Shaun Mannagh
Geel, $117,300, Fwd
SC Ave: 117 (VFL)
“He is ready to go and we feel like he can have a big influence on the way that we play… really composed, beautifully clean off his feet”. When Patrick Dangerfield speaks at Geelong, people listen. So the Geelong star’s praise for mature-age recruit Mannagh wouldn’t just be for show. The 26-year-old booted a remarkable 40 goals – six of them in the grand final – and averaged 25 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in 21 VFL games last season. A ball-winning offensive weapon, Mannagh could help Geelong forward-of-centre right away.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: Mature-age. Dual-position. $117k. Kicks goals. Mannagh ticks a lot of SuperCoach cash cow boxes. Fingers crossed for a round 1 debut.
4. Charlie Lazzaro
NM, $181,100, Fwd
SC Ave: 36 (AFL), 106 (VFL)
If we’re counting North Melbourne’s recent intra-club – and of course we are at this time of the year – Lazzaro has played three very good games in a row. In his final VFL game of last season, the 21-year-old tallied 35 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 tackles, 11 clearances and 128 SuperCoach points. He was recalled to the senior team a week later for only his third non-sub-affected appearance of the year and finished with 26 disposals, nine contested possessions, five clearances, four tackles and 87 points against the Suns – albeit in a midfield missing Luke Davies-Uniacke. Then, if you’ve missed the news, dominated the Roos’ internal hitout this week, prompting assistant coach Leigh Adams to declare Lazzaro a player who “seems at the moment to have nailed a spot in the midfield”.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: Can’t put him higher than this after a glorified training session, but there are some compelling numbers and his work at the contest – an ability to hit it at pace and take the ball in particular – has been equally as impressive. Looming as a solid on-field option in the midfield or forward and might creep up this list.
5. Jeremy Sharp
Freo, $123,900
SC Ave: 84 (VFL)
Liam Henry out, Jeremy Sharp in? That’s what SuperCoaches are hoping for – and it’s a chance. According to Fremantle’s website last month, the SSP signing’s “work ethic and running ability have been a standout during his ort time at the club” – and it appears to have really come to the fore in recent match sim on a wing. Many over in the west keep saying good things about the 22-year-old former Sun who averaged 84 and 113 SuperCoach points in the past two VFL seasons.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: Sharp, who had 30 disposals and 115 SuperCoach points in his sixth AFL game back in 2021, is a bench lock if he gets an early game.
NEXT IN LINE
Matt Roberts
Syd, $156,800
SC Ave: 31 (AFL), 107 (VFL)
After starting as the sub in the opening three rounds of the year, Roberts was finally given the opportunity in round 4 against the Tigers. And he took it, finishing with 14 disposals – at 92 per cent efficiency – eight contested possessions, four tackles, four marks and 93 points in an efficient display on a wing. Unfortunately for the Swans, and a few SuperCoaches who jumped on, he was injured a week later. But after four consecutive SuperCoach tons to finish the VFL season, and a move to half-back over summer, Roberts, who was a junior ball magnet, is right back in the SuperCoach rookie conversation.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: A move to half-back is the new ‘more midfield minutes’ and this guy might seriously surprise. Watch closely during the pre-season games.
THE SMOKY
Kane McAuliffe
Rich, $117,300
SC Ave: 143 (SANFL U18)
The powerfully-built young Tiger averaged 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 143 SuperCoach points at SANFL U18 level last year and finished off the national carnival with 15 tackles against WA. He’s clean, boasts a penetrating left-foot and has turned some heads at Richmond over summer.
The Phantom’s February Verdict: Might add something to Adem Yze’s new-look Tigers.

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach: Six secret forwards flying under the radar who could supercharge your side
Nailing down a gun selection no-one else has could send you speeding towards SuperCoach glory. MAX STAINKAMPH breaks down five options who could send your team shooting to the stars, or see it crash and burn.
Max Stainkamph
5 min read
February 17, 2024 - 12:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Welcome to the forward line. It’s a miserable, wretched place full of terrible, no good, very bad SuperCoach options. They’re really bad, or injured, or untrustworthy, or set to have a bye early in the season – or all of the above.
Sadly, however, we had to be here, as the all-powerful SuperCoach gods dictate we must pick a whole eight of these players if we want to win that elusive $50,000.
But while many might see misery, I see both value and a chance to get ahead of the competition.
Plenty of folks will look at some of the selections on offer and stick to a guns and rookies approach – or even a rookies and rookies approach.
But come closer, child – there’s value to be had in these mines.
It looks as if we’ll be gifted plenty of rookies up forward, and while some popular choices like Nat Fyfe, Jack Billings and James Harmes offer value, I think we can do better.
I think we can pick better players who are in far fewer teams, who can help power you to a phenomenal start to your SuperCoach season by generating cash, points, or both.
Plenty of blokes on this list are in less than 1000 teams at time of writing on February 15, so are uber-PODs.
Some deserve the lack of attention, and some don’t.
Let’s dig in.
CALEB DANIEL $518,800 (ownership 5.4 per cent, 4384 teams)
Could Caleb Daniel be the last premo standing up forward? Jack Macrae is under an injury cloud, Dyl Moore has glandular fever, Dusty, Flanders and more all have an early bye to contend with.
Daniel should still be set for midfield rotations with Smith out for the season, and while there’s the eternal concern that Luke Beveridge might decide he’s better on a wing or a back pocket or a wherever else, but Daniel’s simply too good of a player to drop below 90 across the season.
He might not be the best value option going around, but with the sky seemingly falling around us in the forward line, I’m amazed he’s in less than 5000 teams.
CONNOR MACDONALD $361,400 (1.7 per cent and 1384) and CAM McKENZIE $271,500 (1.2 per cent and 983)
With Will Day out of the Hawks’ side early doors for 2024, there are mid spots open in a midfield which was already crying out for a young gun to join Day, Connor Nash and Jai Newcombe at Ned Reeves’ feet.
Macdonald and McKenzie are red-hot candidates to do just that, with the high draft picks both spending plenty of time up forward last year.
MacDonald is entering his third season, which is prime breakout territory, and McKenzie into his second.
I prefer Macdonald as a smokey up forward because I think the additional pre-season over McKenzie will give him a better crack in the guts, but keep an eye on pre-season games – if we can save 90k and get similar or better outputs from McKenzie then all the better.
Sam Mitchell has shown his willingness to throw kids in the guts and learn at the coalface, which is great for Hawks fans and even better for SuperCoaches.
But do you pick them over a premo or a rookie? It’s hard to say this far out.
ALEX SEXTON $133,400 (7.8 per cent, 6502)
When Callum ****’s Gold Coast intraclub report came through last week, my eyebrows shot up reading who one of the key distributors out of the defensive 50 was – Alex Sexton.
The 30-year-old had been a mainstay of the forward line for years, before dropping off with 12 games in the past two seasons.
However, new coach Damien Hardwick has found a new home for him down back, and if the role is real, then strap in and lock him down for a forward slot.
However, we’ve been on this ride before – Charlie Constable was supposed to do the same thing last year and was left on the outer right as he arrived on the bubble.
He’s in my side for now, and one I’ll be keeping a close eye on as the pre-season unfolds.
TOM HAWKINS $438,400 (ownership 0.3 per cent, 235 teams)
Is this a good idea? No. Absolutely not. Is the Tomahawk going to be a top eight forward in total points ever again? I think his time is done. Should he be in any more than 235 teams? Look, arguably not. Is he someone I’m really tempted to start this season? Yes.
One of my core memories as a Bombers fan of the 2023 season was watching a poor, hapless Brandon Zerk-Thatcher be torn limb from limb by Hawkins on his way to four goals in the first quarter and eight for the game.
Hawkins is another year older and the Cats certainly don’t look like threatening for a flag, but there’s some method to this madness.
Hawkins kicks off his season against the Saints before coming up against an undermanned Crows backline, with Jordon Butts the only big body of note – if he’s fit.
Then Hawkins lines up against the Hawks, who may be forced into running Sam Frost at full back after James Blanck did his ACL at training, then the Dogs, and then a Ben McKay-less North Melbourne who have Charlie Comben and a few add-ons as the big bodies in defence.
Hawkins hasn’t missed a beat this pre-season, after managing plenty of games under an injury cloud last year.
By round six, Hawkins could have pumped out three mammoth scores and appreciated well beyond his starting price of $438,400, giving you a look at sideways trading into a premium who played in Opening Round and has had their bye.
You could mount the same argument for stablemate Jeremy Cameron, but I think Hawkins – remarkably – may get the second defender, and is also likely to spend more time closer to goal trying to wrestle blokes in the goalsquare, taking contested marks and kicking snags.
Or, more likely, he scores 30, does an old man injury and you need to find another option at 440k.
BUKU KHAMIS $123,900 (0.7 per cent, 556 teams)
Khamis has the potential to be one of our best rookies for the season and he’s flying well and truly under the radar. With the Dogs blessed in the key forward stocks, Khamis spent most of last season in the back line at VFL level, and if track watch is to be believed he could well be sliding into the Dogs AFL back line this year.
He’s been sighted in a lucrative third tall role, and while he’s unlikely to be clunking 12 intercept marks a game, at 123k he doesn’t have to do any more than Esava Ratugolea did for us in 2023.
If he’s there in Round 1, you’d think more than 556 teams have him locked into the forward line.

 

[Manikato1]

This story is behind a paywall but would be worth reading given we have virtually no info on GC preseason.

Huge wraps on Flanders and a rookie called Ethan Read - don't remember seeing anything on him in pre season rookie commentary


https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...n/news-story/17899f072fb6350dda09261b71c96f51

 

[Connoisseur]

This story is behind a paywall but would be worth reading given we have virtually no info on GC preseason.

Huge wraps on Flanders and a rookie called Ethan Read - don't remember seeing anything on him in pre season rookie commentary


https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...n/news-story/17899f072fb6350dda09261b71c96f51

Use the following website to bypass the paywall on Herald Sun articles: https://archive.md/

 

[Ironhawk]

This story is behind a paywall but would be worth reading given we have virtually no info on GC preseason.

Huge wraps on Flanders and a rookie called Ethan Read - don't remember seeing anything on him in pre season rookie commentary


https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...n/news-story/17899f072fb6350dda09261b71c96f51

Use the following website to bypass the paywall on Herald Sun articles: https://archive.md/

Direct link to article using the site mentioned:

https://archive.md/3cK8E

 

[Manikato1]

Use the following website to bypass the paywall on Herald Sun articles: https://archive.md/

Direct link to article using the site mentioned:

https://archive.md/3cK8E

Thanks guys. Very useful. And an interesting read. Comments on Sexton also valuable.

 

[Russty_]

Thanks guys. Very useful. And an interesting read. Comments on Sexton also valuable.

What's the reason people are picking Sexton?
He's over 30 and has never averaged anything very good.

 

[Feerits Elf]

What's the reason people are picking Sexton?
He's over 30 and has never averaged anything very good.

Role change

 

[Russty_]

Role change

From what to what may I ask?

 

[Manikato1]

Q. What can the fans expect as far as seeing some old faces in new positions? Will we see some role changes for players?

Hardwick: Yes there will be. You have to remember with every game style requires different positions and different athletic types to play certain positions. (Alex) Sexton is one of those players. I look at the way we want to play our rebounding backs – he has played the vast majority of his career as a forward but he’s an incredible athlete. His ability to cover ground, to use the ball proves from my point of view he could be a really good rebounding defender and he’s had a great pre-season.

 

[Feerits Elf]

From what to what may I ask?

Forward to rebounding defender

 

[PC]

Cheap fwd rookie. Hopefully a Sexytonne...

I'll show myself out.