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SuperCoach 2021
The guru has spoken. From rookie selections to bye-round tips, follow these golden rules and you’re on track for KFC SuperCoach glory.
Alexie Beovich
February 17, 2021 - 12:16PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach is game full of fun and occasional drama.
These are the golden rules that can guide you through troubled KFC SuperCoach waters when it’s easy to lose our heads.
With some simple planning by following these some basic guidelines you should be able to come out of this season with your head above water.
From rookie selections to bye-round planning, KFC SuperCoach expert Alexie Beovich pronounces his 11 commandments for season 2020.
1. PICK ROOKIES WHO ARE LOCKED IN FOR ROUND 1
Every year we have a few rookies who look good in the pre-season but surprise us by missing out on selection for the first game of the year.
Instead of selecting them and waiting for them to debut in a couple of weeks, skip them and pick them up later for a nice cash injection into your side.
This was a rule I ignored last year and it stung me.
Having Will Gould, Jez McLennan and Trent Bianco sitting on my bench for the majority of 2020 really made cash generation difficult, restricting my options when it came to making trades during the season. These were guys who were “absolute locks to play” but didn’t take the field in Round 1 and subsequently combined for a total of zero points for the entire year.
So I repeat, pick rookies who are locked in for Round 1.
ROOKIE BIBLE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEST SUPERCOACH CHEAPIES
2. DON’T PAY A PREMIUM FOR INJURED PLAYERS
I didn’t think I’d have to include a commandment like this again in 2021, but looking at the ownership percentages provided by SuperCoach Plus, it feels like it needs to be said again.
If a player has been injured throughout the off-season, is “expected to be at full match fitness by Round 1” or is seen jogging around the track in the lead-up to the season, don’t pick them!
Patrick Dangerfield has been battling a groin injury and Lachie Whitfield has a bruised liver but both are still in 20 per cent of teams. If these struggles continue then you’re just throwing money away by starting them in your side!
Observe the rest of the pre-season, listen to the injury reports and you might just grab yourself a bargain or two later on down the track.
3. BE FLEXIBLE
If last year taught us anything it’s that we’re going to need flexibility to cover ourselves through a less than certain year of football, that means using dual-position-players (DPPs) to our advantage.
This year we have some great options that can provide some insurance if something goes pear-shaped. For example, combining Rowan Marshall in the forward line with Josh Treacy in the ruck line will help you cover an injury to Max Gawn or Brodie Grundy.
Selecting a combination of Aiden Fyfe, Trent Bianco or Lachie Young with Rory Laird will mean you can swing players from defence to midfield in a pinch.
Nakia Cockatoo and Finlay Macrae can combine with Dustin Martin and Josh Dunkley.
You have to build some of these DPP connections into your side if you want to save yourself some headaches later on.
4. LIMIT YOUR MID-PRICE MADNESS
Sometimes mid-price selections can set your season off to a flying start, often they can end your season before it begins.
Picking the correct mid-pricers is often hard but your season doesn’t necessarily depend on getting them right, you just can’t pick too many of the wrong ones.
It’s easy to recover from selecting one or two poor mid-pricers but it’s almost impossible to recover if you have five or six clogging up your list.
This year you have plenty of mid-pricers to look at, some of the most popular picks so far are Jack Ziebell ($257,900 FWD), Jackson Hately ($310,300 MID), Wayne Milera ($312,200 DEF), Dyson Heppell ($319,600 MID), Jye Caldwell ($348,600 FWD/MID) and Jeremy Cameron ($388,100 FWD).
There is logic behind all of these selections but you can’t select too many of them or it’ll make your season very difficult if they backfire. Remember, they are cheap for a reason!
Assess the options, pick one or two that you think will succeed and be prepared to trade into any keeper-worthy players that you missed.
5. PLAN FOR THE BYES
We’re going to assume that the byes will happen as currently scheduled for this commandment.
To put it simply, make sure that you select a decent spread of premiums with different bye rounds in your initial starting squad.
Round 14 currently sees Adelaide, Collingwood, St Kilda, Sydney, Fremantle and Melbourne all sharing the same bye.
That means players like Rory Laird, Brodie Grundy, Jack Steele, Jake Lloyd, Nat Fyfe and Max Gawn will all be missing at the same time, we must plan accordingly.
We’ll be able to bolster our sides in the two rounds leading up to Round 14, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, and being safe means trying to spread your premiums out across all three bye rounds if you’re playing for overall rankings.
If you’re a league player and you don’t care about the byes, stack your midfield with Steele Sidebottom, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Luke Parker and Andrew Brayshaw and enjoy that feeling of relaxation!
6. PLAN FOR THE BYE ROUNDS … MORE
All right, we’ve established a decent spread of players across the bye rounds, but who is going to be our captain? This is actually something we can plan for now!
Everyone is going to be selecting a few deadset guns for their side — Lachie Neale, Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn will all have their fair share of owners in 2021, but these three players don’t give you a guaranteed captain’s score for all of the bye rounds.
Neale is a safe captain option during the first bye round (Round 12) which is great, tick him off your list.
In Round 13 Gawn and Grundy go head-to-head on Queen’s Birthday. Given both of their averages drop to 95 points when they play each other, we’re going to need another option.
So who to target? Well, Fremantle takes on Gold Coast so Nat Fyfe is a great option there. Geelong and Port Adelaide clash, giving us Patrick Dangerfield and Travis Boak to look at, but my early pick is Jake Lloyd, who will play against a youthful Hawthorn outfit in Round 13.
And Round 14, the final bye week (also known as the nightmare round) rules out about half of the gun premiums in the comp, but luckily Neale will be well-rested and back to captain our sides.
Spending five minutes looking at the fixture and thinking about the bye rounds should give you an edge over your league rival.
7. AVOID TRADING PREMIUM SELECTIONS
There are only two situations in which you should consider trading a premium selection — the player is injured or the player has had a permanent role change.
Not all injuries will require a trade, but if a player is going to miss more than two weeks then it might be worth considering moving him on.
Role changes aren’t always easy to identify and are sometimes thrust upon our premium selections due to injuries to teammates.
Luke Ryan is a great example of this from 2020, he started off the year poorly, failing to hit 80 points in three of his first four games, partly due to form and partly due to having to play a more key-position role than we expected.
If you’d held onto him you would’ve seen him adjust his game and go on to score 100-plus in 12 of his next 13 games.
It’s not always going to turn out like this, but more often than not a premium you’ve selected is going to produce the points you want them to, sometimes it’s just a waiting game.
The guru has spoken. From rookie selections to bye-round tips, follow these golden rules and you’re on track for KFC SuperCoach glory.
Alexie Beovich
February 17, 2021 - 12:16PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach is game full of fun and occasional drama.
These are the golden rules that can guide you through troubled KFC SuperCoach waters when it’s easy to lose our heads.
With some simple planning by following these some basic guidelines you should be able to come out of this season with your head above water.
From rookie selections to bye-round planning, KFC SuperCoach expert Alexie Beovich pronounces his 11 commandments for season 2020.
1. PICK ROOKIES WHO ARE LOCKED IN FOR ROUND 1
Every year we have a few rookies who look good in the pre-season but surprise us by missing out on selection for the first game of the year.
Instead of selecting them and waiting for them to debut in a couple of weeks, skip them and pick them up later for a nice cash injection into your side.
This was a rule I ignored last year and it stung me.
Having Will Gould, Jez McLennan and Trent Bianco sitting on my bench for the majority of 2020 really made cash generation difficult, restricting my options when it came to making trades during the season. These were guys who were “absolute locks to play” but didn’t take the field in Round 1 and subsequently combined for a total of zero points for the entire year.
So I repeat, pick rookies who are locked in for Round 1.
ROOKIE BIBLE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEST SUPERCOACH CHEAPIES
2. DON’T PAY A PREMIUM FOR INJURED PLAYERS
I didn’t think I’d have to include a commandment like this again in 2021, but looking at the ownership percentages provided by SuperCoach Plus, it feels like it needs to be said again.
If a player has been injured throughout the off-season, is “expected to be at full match fitness by Round 1” or is seen jogging around the track in the lead-up to the season, don’t pick them!
Patrick Dangerfield has been battling a groin injury and Lachie Whitfield has a bruised liver but both are still in 20 per cent of teams. If these struggles continue then you’re just throwing money away by starting them in your side!
Observe the rest of the pre-season, listen to the injury reports and you might just grab yourself a bargain or two later on down the track.
3. BE FLEXIBLE
If last year taught us anything it’s that we’re going to need flexibility to cover ourselves through a less than certain year of football, that means using dual-position-players (DPPs) to our advantage.
This year we have some great options that can provide some insurance if something goes pear-shaped. For example, combining Rowan Marshall in the forward line with Josh Treacy in the ruck line will help you cover an injury to Max Gawn or Brodie Grundy.
Selecting a combination of Aiden Fyfe, Trent Bianco or Lachie Young with Rory Laird will mean you can swing players from defence to midfield in a pinch.
Nakia Cockatoo and Finlay Macrae can combine with Dustin Martin and Josh Dunkley.
You have to build some of these DPP connections into your side if you want to save yourself some headaches later on.
4. LIMIT YOUR MID-PRICE MADNESS
Sometimes mid-price selections can set your season off to a flying start, often they can end your season before it begins.
Picking the correct mid-pricers is often hard but your season doesn’t necessarily depend on getting them right, you just can’t pick too many of the wrong ones.
It’s easy to recover from selecting one or two poor mid-pricers but it’s almost impossible to recover if you have five or six clogging up your list.
This year you have plenty of mid-pricers to look at, some of the most popular picks so far are Jack Ziebell ($257,900 FWD), Jackson Hately ($310,300 MID), Wayne Milera ($312,200 DEF), Dyson Heppell ($319,600 MID), Jye Caldwell ($348,600 FWD/MID) and Jeremy Cameron ($388,100 FWD).
There is logic behind all of these selections but you can’t select too many of them or it’ll make your season very difficult if they backfire. Remember, they are cheap for a reason!
Assess the options, pick one or two that you think will succeed and be prepared to trade into any keeper-worthy players that you missed.
5. PLAN FOR THE BYES
We’re going to assume that the byes will happen as currently scheduled for this commandment.
To put it simply, make sure that you select a decent spread of premiums with different bye rounds in your initial starting squad.
Round 14 currently sees Adelaide, Collingwood, St Kilda, Sydney, Fremantle and Melbourne all sharing the same bye.
That means players like Rory Laird, Brodie Grundy, Jack Steele, Jake Lloyd, Nat Fyfe and Max Gawn will all be missing at the same time, we must plan accordingly.
We’ll be able to bolster our sides in the two rounds leading up to Round 14, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, and being safe means trying to spread your premiums out across all three bye rounds if you’re playing for overall rankings.
If you’re a league player and you don’t care about the byes, stack your midfield with Steele Sidebottom, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Luke Parker and Andrew Brayshaw and enjoy that feeling of relaxation!
6. PLAN FOR THE BYE ROUNDS … MORE
All right, we’ve established a decent spread of players across the bye rounds, but who is going to be our captain? This is actually something we can plan for now!
Everyone is going to be selecting a few deadset guns for their side — Lachie Neale, Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn will all have their fair share of owners in 2021, but these three players don’t give you a guaranteed captain’s score for all of the bye rounds.
Neale is a safe captain option during the first bye round (Round 12) which is great, tick him off your list.
In Round 13 Gawn and Grundy go head-to-head on Queen’s Birthday. Given both of their averages drop to 95 points when they play each other, we’re going to need another option.
So who to target? Well, Fremantle takes on Gold Coast so Nat Fyfe is a great option there. Geelong and Port Adelaide clash, giving us Patrick Dangerfield and Travis Boak to look at, but my early pick is Jake Lloyd, who will play against a youthful Hawthorn outfit in Round 13.
And Round 14, the final bye week (also known as the nightmare round) rules out about half of the gun premiums in the comp, but luckily Neale will be well-rested and back to captain our sides.
Spending five minutes looking at the fixture and thinking about the bye rounds should give you an edge over your league rival.
7. AVOID TRADING PREMIUM SELECTIONS
There are only two situations in which you should consider trading a premium selection — the player is injured or the player has had a permanent role change.
Not all injuries will require a trade, but if a player is going to miss more than two weeks then it might be worth considering moving him on.
Role changes aren’t always easy to identify and are sometimes thrust upon our premium selections due to injuries to teammates.
Luke Ryan is a great example of this from 2020, he started off the year poorly, failing to hit 80 points in three of his first four games, partly due to form and partly due to having to play a more key-position role than we expected.
If you’d held onto him you would’ve seen him adjust his game and go on to score 100-plus in 12 of his next 13 games.
It’s not always going to turn out like this, but more often than not a premium you’ve selected is going to produce the points you want them to, sometimes it’s just a waiting game.
8. MILK THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CASH COWS
It’s important to not trade your rookies too early!
With the right planning and listening to the right podcasts (tune into the Jock Reynolds SuperCoach podcast wherever you get your podcasts) you can squeeze plenty of cash out of your fattened rookies as their average reaches their break-even.
Generating value from your rookies is integral to being able to afford those premiums you want in your side.
A great tool for keeping on top of your cash generation is by subscribing to SuperCoach Plus, you’ll be able to see all of your rookie price projections throughout the year.
9. PLAY SUPERCOACH DRAFT
Most people reading this will be regular SuperCoach Classic players, but that’s not all this amazing game has to offer!
Think you can draft better than the clubs? SuperCoach Draft is a fantastic version of SuperCoach where every player in the competition is placed in a draft pool and can only be selected once, leaving you with a huge variety of unique teams competing for premiership glory.
Get some friends together or find a public league, create your pre-draft list order, jump into a draft and enjoy the pressure of deciding between Lachie Neale and Max Gawn before the time runs out!
10. WATCH TEAM SELECTION CLOSELY
It was always going to happen but the AFL has introduced new team submission rules permanently, so AFL teams will only be required to name their squads 24 hours out from their game.
This isn’t good news for SuperCoach players out there, but we had some experience with these rules in 2020 and that should serve us well.
The first thing we need to do is keep a close eye on any debutant announcement videos heading into Round 1, this will give us key information on which rookies we can safely bring into our teams (and some adorable footage of players calling their mums).
The second thing we need to do under these new rules is select players who are locked into their team’s best 22. Jarman Impey might not be the most exciting option at $202,900 in the forward line, but he appears to be locked into his old position off half-back and that job security might be worth paying the extra $80,000 over a tentative rookie.
The final thing we need to do to mitigate the risk of doughnuts (zeros) on our field throughout the year is watch out for club injury reports. While they sometimes contain some misinformation on time frames at least we’ll know if any of our premos are in doubt.
11. ENJOY SUPERCOACH!
Last year I wrote that we needed to take the stress out of SuperCoach and enjoy going to the footy more … well, for a lot of us that clearly didn’t happen.
So this year I’m saying that we must enjoy the footy, in whatever ways we can.
Enjoy it while it’s on TV, get to games if you can, embrace the game in whichever format it appears and of course, enjoy SuperCoach!
Enjoy the fact that we even have SuperCoach, last year it was a wonderful distraction through a pretty challenging time.
Let’s embrace it, hope that it can run as normal and if we do have condensed fixtures or abandoned games, let’s just enjoy it for what it is.
At the end of the day SuperCoach is a game, so let’s have some fun.
If you want to hear more from me or have your own SuperCoach rules you want to discuss, you can hit me up on Twitter at @LekdogSC or over at jockreynolds.com.au, where you can also subscribe to our podcast.
It’s important to not trade your rookies too early!
With the right planning and listening to the right podcasts (tune into the Jock Reynolds SuperCoach podcast wherever you get your podcasts) you can squeeze plenty of cash out of your fattened rookies as their average reaches their break-even.
Generating value from your rookies is integral to being able to afford those premiums you want in your side.
A great tool for keeping on top of your cash generation is by subscribing to SuperCoach Plus, you’ll be able to see all of your rookie price projections throughout the year.
9. PLAY SUPERCOACH DRAFT
Most people reading this will be regular SuperCoach Classic players, but that’s not all this amazing game has to offer!
Think you can draft better than the clubs? SuperCoach Draft is a fantastic version of SuperCoach where every player in the competition is placed in a draft pool and can only be selected once, leaving you with a huge variety of unique teams competing for premiership glory.
Get some friends together or find a public league, create your pre-draft list order, jump into a draft and enjoy the pressure of deciding between Lachie Neale and Max Gawn before the time runs out!
10. WATCH TEAM SELECTION CLOSELY
It was always going to happen but the AFL has introduced new team submission rules permanently, so AFL teams will only be required to name their squads 24 hours out from their game.
This isn’t good news for SuperCoach players out there, but we had some experience with these rules in 2020 and that should serve us well.
The first thing we need to do is keep a close eye on any debutant announcement videos heading into Round 1, this will give us key information on which rookies we can safely bring into our teams (and some adorable footage of players calling their mums).
The second thing we need to do under these new rules is select players who are locked into their team’s best 22. Jarman Impey might not be the most exciting option at $202,900 in the forward line, but he appears to be locked into his old position off half-back and that job security might be worth paying the extra $80,000 over a tentative rookie.
The final thing we need to do to mitigate the risk of doughnuts (zeros) on our field throughout the year is watch out for club injury reports. While they sometimes contain some misinformation on time frames at least we’ll know if any of our premos are in doubt.
11. ENJOY SUPERCOACH!
Last year I wrote that we needed to take the stress out of SuperCoach and enjoy going to the footy more … well, for a lot of us that clearly didn’t happen.
So this year I’m saying that we must enjoy the footy, in whatever ways we can.
Enjoy it while it’s on TV, get to games if you can, embrace the game in whichever format it appears and of course, enjoy SuperCoach!
Enjoy the fact that we even have SuperCoach, last year it was a wonderful distraction through a pretty challenging time.
Let’s embrace it, hope that it can run as normal and if we do have condensed fixtures or abandoned games, let’s just enjoy it for what it is.
At the end of the day SuperCoach is a game, so let’s have some fun.
If you want to hear more from me or have your own SuperCoach rules you want to discuss, you can hit me up on Twitter at @LekdogSC or over at jockreynolds.com.au, where you can also subscribe to our podcast.
SuperCoach AFL: Experts rate 11 breakout contenders for 2021
How do you spot a KFC SuperCoach breakout waiting to happen? Our experts give their verdicts on 11 players who can become premium scorers in 2021.
Tim Michell
February 18, 2021 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Nailing a breakout player is one of the greatest skills in KFC SuperCoach.
Just ask anyone who picked Christian Petracca at the start of last season after four years of hype and middling SuperCoach returns.
Petracca exploded, boosting his average from 81 points a game to 117.5 and gaining almost $200,000 in value to be one of the buys of the season.
Who will be the Petracca of 2021? KFC SuperCoach expert Tim Michell names 11 leading contenders.
Josh Daicos (Coll) $442,200 MID | 2020 ave: 82.3
The son of a gun was one of the most-improved players in the AFL last season as his average surged from 53 KFC SuperCoach points a game in 2019 to 82.3. After featuring in 17 games across three seasons, 2020 was the first year Daicos found a niche in the Collingwood side as a wingman.
As The Phantom noted recently, Daicos’s efficiency is perfectly suited to KFC SuperCoach. He went at 60.4 per cent by foot last season and increased his average (albeit marginally) from 17.2 to 17.3 disposals a game. When you factor in shorter quarters, that shows Daicos has the scope to average premium KFC SuperCoach midfield numbers.
Now it’s about lifting his disposal average to more than 20 a game and the opportunity will certainly be there after Adam Treloar’s move to Whitten Oval and Tom Phillips departing for Hawthorn.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 8/10
The Phantom — 6/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.2 per cent
MORE: 11 PLAYERS YOU MUST PICK IN KFC SUPERCOACH
Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $377,200 FWD
Rozee seemed destined to announce himself as the next great KFC SuperCoach forward last season when he amassed scores of 125 and 145 in the opening two rounds. Yet his season average of 70.2 was 7.5 points less than his debut campaign and he only scored one hundred for the rest of the season. That was down to a nagging heel injury and being largely restricted to playing as a deep forward.
Rozee is the sort of high-impact player KFC SuperCoach is made for and a breakout is just a matter of time. Watch his mooted midfield minutes closely in pre-season and jump on if he isn’t stuck in the attacking 50 as he was for much of last season. He underlined his potential late in 2020 with totals of 109 and 95 against North Melbourne and Essendon respectively.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 8/10
OWNERSHIP: 7.1 per cent
Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melb) $432,800 MID | 2020 ave: 80.6
The Roos have put the onus on one of their top draftees to turn the potential he showed in the second half of last season into sustainable performances. From Round 9 onwards, Davies-Uniacke posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 97, 86, 70, 51, 129, 72 and 93.
His 23-disposal, five-clearance game against Port Adelaide was the most encouraging of his short career and gave a glimpse of the talent which prompted North Melbourne to part with pick No.4 in the 2017 draft.
He’s an awkward price in KFC SuperCoach but has the talent to produce a similar breakout to Jy Simpkin last year. How David Noble splits the midfield minutes between Davies-Uniacke, Ben Cunnington, Simpkin, Jed Anderson, Trent Dumont and top draftees Will Phillips and Tom Powell might determine just how big his jump in 2021 is.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 5/10
Al Paton — 7/10
The Phantom — 7/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.0 per cent
Jack Lukosius (GC) $430,800 DEF | 2020 ave: 80.2
Playing regularly as an intercept defender, Lukosius ticks a lot of the boxes KFC SuperCoaches look for as he prepares for his third AFL campaign. The Suns young gun boosted his average from 50.6 to 80.2 KFC SuperCoach points last season — averaging 16.4 disposals, 1.1 intercept marks and 4.6 intercept possessions per game.
One of Lukosius’s great strengths is his ability to hit a target by foot, going at 69.5 per cent kicking efficiency in 2020.
The Suns have Charlie Ballard and Sam Collins to play on key forwards, allowing Lukosius to play with greater freedom in the back half. Could he emerge as a gun KFC SuperCoach defender in the mould of James Sicily, who launched from a 73.3 average in 2017 to 105.1 in 2018?
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 8/10
The Phantom — 8/10
OWNERSHIP: 3.1 per cent
Oliver Florent (Syd) $408,300 MID | 2020 ave: 76
Florent took small steps toward premium status last season as his average jumped from 68.8 to 76 KFC SuperCoach points. This was despite his average possessions being down from 19.2 to 16.4 in 2020.
The spike in Florent’s numbers came from his inside-50s (3.6 to 4.2 a game) and clearances (2.7 to 2.8). This was helped by an increase in the number of centre bounces he attended due to Isaac Heeney and Josh Kennedy missing significant periods of the season.
Going into his fifth season, the 22-year-old looms as a key member of a Sydney midfield in transition. James Rowbottom was the other player whose CBAs went up when Kennedy and Heeney missed matches. Both are worthy of a look in pre-season, when coaches should assess their role as potential midfield PODs.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 5/10
The Phantom — 5/10
OWNERSHIP: 0.2 per cent
Isaac Quaynor (Coll) $405,300 DEF | 2020 ave: 75.4
Collingwood fans are bullish about Quaynor’s development and six of his nine matches last season resulted in KFC SuperCoach scores between 79 and 101. One of the games he failed to reach 80 was Round 10 against Sydney, when he suffered a horror leg injury.
Quaynor’s kicking efficiency of 82.4 per cent last year and average of 4.9 intercept possessions a game are the bedrock of a future KFC SuperCoach premium. The obvious question mark is whether Quaynor, Jeremy Howe and Brayden Maynard will share too many points for the rising Pie to go to the next level.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 4/10
OWNERSHIP: 0.9 per cent
How do you spot a KFC SuperCoach breakout waiting to happen? Our experts give their verdicts on 11 players who can become premium scorers in 2021.
Tim Michell
February 18, 2021 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Nailing a breakout player is one of the greatest skills in KFC SuperCoach.
Just ask anyone who picked Christian Petracca at the start of last season after four years of hype and middling SuperCoach returns.
Petracca exploded, boosting his average from 81 points a game to 117.5 and gaining almost $200,000 in value to be one of the buys of the season.
Who will be the Petracca of 2021? KFC SuperCoach expert Tim Michell names 11 leading contenders.
Josh Daicos (Coll) $442,200 MID | 2020 ave: 82.3
The son of a gun was one of the most-improved players in the AFL last season as his average surged from 53 KFC SuperCoach points a game in 2019 to 82.3. After featuring in 17 games across three seasons, 2020 was the first year Daicos found a niche in the Collingwood side as a wingman.
As The Phantom noted recently, Daicos’s efficiency is perfectly suited to KFC SuperCoach. He went at 60.4 per cent by foot last season and increased his average (albeit marginally) from 17.2 to 17.3 disposals a game. When you factor in shorter quarters, that shows Daicos has the scope to average premium KFC SuperCoach midfield numbers.
Now it’s about lifting his disposal average to more than 20 a game and the opportunity will certainly be there after Adam Treloar’s move to Whitten Oval and Tom Phillips departing for Hawthorn.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 8/10
The Phantom — 6/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.2 per cent
MORE: 11 PLAYERS YOU MUST PICK IN KFC SUPERCOACH
Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $377,200 FWD
Rozee seemed destined to announce himself as the next great KFC SuperCoach forward last season when he amassed scores of 125 and 145 in the opening two rounds. Yet his season average of 70.2 was 7.5 points less than his debut campaign and he only scored one hundred for the rest of the season. That was down to a nagging heel injury and being largely restricted to playing as a deep forward.
Rozee is the sort of high-impact player KFC SuperCoach is made for and a breakout is just a matter of time. Watch his mooted midfield minutes closely in pre-season and jump on if he isn’t stuck in the attacking 50 as he was for much of last season. He underlined his potential late in 2020 with totals of 109 and 95 against North Melbourne and Essendon respectively.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 8/10
OWNERSHIP: 7.1 per cent
Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melb) $432,800 MID | 2020 ave: 80.6
The Roos have put the onus on one of their top draftees to turn the potential he showed in the second half of last season into sustainable performances. From Round 9 onwards, Davies-Uniacke posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 97, 86, 70, 51, 129, 72 and 93.
His 23-disposal, five-clearance game against Port Adelaide was the most encouraging of his short career and gave a glimpse of the talent which prompted North Melbourne to part with pick No.4 in the 2017 draft.
He’s an awkward price in KFC SuperCoach but has the talent to produce a similar breakout to Jy Simpkin last year. How David Noble splits the midfield minutes between Davies-Uniacke, Ben Cunnington, Simpkin, Jed Anderson, Trent Dumont and top draftees Will Phillips and Tom Powell might determine just how big his jump in 2021 is.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 5/10
Al Paton — 7/10
The Phantom — 7/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.0 per cent
Jack Lukosius (GC) $430,800 DEF | 2020 ave: 80.2
Playing regularly as an intercept defender, Lukosius ticks a lot of the boxes KFC SuperCoaches look for as he prepares for his third AFL campaign. The Suns young gun boosted his average from 50.6 to 80.2 KFC SuperCoach points last season — averaging 16.4 disposals, 1.1 intercept marks and 4.6 intercept possessions per game.
One of Lukosius’s great strengths is his ability to hit a target by foot, going at 69.5 per cent kicking efficiency in 2020.
The Suns have Charlie Ballard and Sam Collins to play on key forwards, allowing Lukosius to play with greater freedom in the back half. Could he emerge as a gun KFC SuperCoach defender in the mould of James Sicily, who launched from a 73.3 average in 2017 to 105.1 in 2018?
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 8/10
The Phantom — 8/10
OWNERSHIP: 3.1 per cent
Oliver Florent (Syd) $408,300 MID | 2020 ave: 76
Florent took small steps toward premium status last season as his average jumped from 68.8 to 76 KFC SuperCoach points. This was despite his average possessions being down from 19.2 to 16.4 in 2020.
The spike in Florent’s numbers came from his inside-50s (3.6 to 4.2 a game) and clearances (2.7 to 2.8). This was helped by an increase in the number of centre bounces he attended due to Isaac Heeney and Josh Kennedy missing significant periods of the season.
Going into his fifth season, the 22-year-old looms as a key member of a Sydney midfield in transition. James Rowbottom was the other player whose CBAs went up when Kennedy and Heeney missed matches. Both are worthy of a look in pre-season, when coaches should assess their role as potential midfield PODs.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 5/10
The Phantom — 5/10
OWNERSHIP: 0.2 per cent
Isaac Quaynor (Coll) $405,300 DEF | 2020 ave: 75.4
Collingwood fans are bullish about Quaynor’s development and six of his nine matches last season resulted in KFC SuperCoach scores between 79 and 101. One of the games he failed to reach 80 was Round 10 against Sydney, when he suffered a horror leg injury.
Quaynor’s kicking efficiency of 82.4 per cent last year and average of 4.9 intercept possessions a game are the bedrock of a future KFC SuperCoach premium. The obvious question mark is whether Quaynor, Jeremy Howe and Brayden Maynard will share too many points for the rising Pie to go to the next level.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 4/10
OWNERSHIP: 0.9 per cent
Jack Scrimshaw (Haw) $399,600 DEF | 2020 ave: 74.4
James Sicily’s knee injury opened the door for a new KFC SuperCoach defensive king to emerge at Hawthorn, and Scrimshaw’s scoring went through the roof in the latter rounds of 2020.
The former Sun averaged 60.4 in his first five matches last season before emerging as a potential KFC SuperCoach star with an average of 82.9 from Round 11 onwards. After Sicily went down in Round 12, Scrimshaw scored 91, 93, 118 and 80 in consecutive matches.
He had a season-high 22 disposals against both Essendon and Adelaide during that stretch and six intercept possessions a game.
The Hawks’ backline is expected to be under siege for much of 2021 and that will give Scrimshaw plenty of opportunity to build on a promising finish to last season.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 7/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.2 per cent
Will Day (Haw) $384,400 DEF | 2020 ave: 71.5
If not Scrimshaw, then second-year defender Will Day looms as the player to step into the void left by Sicily.
Day was one of the top cash cows last year, surging from a starting price of $153,300 to finish the campaign at $344,900. While his best score of the campaign was 92 on debut, Day’s best run coincided with Sicily’s injury.
A consistent rookie who never dropped below 57 and scored 57-67 in eight of his 11 games, Day averaged 73.3 from Round 11. He takes kick-outs for the Hawks and every designated kick-in taker will benefit from an extra 5m to play with this season.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 7/10
The Phantom — 6/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.4 per cent
Tom Green (GWS) $351,400 | 2020 ave: 72.7
No potential breakout list is complete without The Phantom’s favourite. Green is underpriced after featuring in six games in his debut season. He left a huge impression on KFC SuperCoaches with a score of 119 in Round 17 when he had 30 possessions (21 contested) against Melbourne in Round 17.
Leon Cameron has been a KFC SuperCoach nemesis for years, but any pre-season indication Green is set for a prominent midfield role will make him one of the most sought-after mid-pricers of 2021.
Clayton Oliver averaged 70.3 in his first season and 111.5 in his second. Green has the talent to replicate that spike, although anything above 100 would be a great result from a low starting price.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 8/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 9.99/10
OWNERSHIP: 6.6 per cent
Cameron Rayner (Bris) $392,900 FWD | 2020 ave: 73.1
The No.1 draft pick from 2017 has never been a huge ball-winner, but as he edges toward punch-hitting in the midfield he will become more of a factor in KFC SuperCoach.
Rayner has never averaged more than 13.5 disposals a game, which he did in his debut season. But his tackle numbers (3.2 a game) were a career-high last year and his 1.4 clangers a game was a career-best.
He still needs to be tally more possessions to have any chance of emerging as a premium forward and his starting price is higher than any mark he reached last season. His highest price in 2020 was $387,900 after finishing the season with scores of 80, 125, 36 and 114. Midfield pinch-hitters (think Jordan De Goey) are not traditionally great KFC SuperCoach scorers.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 4/10
Al Paton — 3/10
The Phantom — 2/10
OWNERSHIP: 0.7 per cent
Oscar McInerney (Bris) $443,400 RUC | 2020 ave: 82.5
McInerney set the foundation for a rise to KFC SuperCoach stardom in the second half of 2020 when he assumed the No.1 ruck mantle at Brisbane from Stefan Martin. The 205cm ruckman lifted his average from 67.8 in 2019 to 82.5 last season, averaging 92 points from Round 9 onwards.
Losing his DPP status (he was listed as a RUC-FWD last season) is a blow, but all the signs are there to suggest McInerney can become one of the best-scoring ruckmen of 2021. He’s unlikely to reach the heights of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy, but an average of 100-plus is certainly possible. Expect his time on ground to increase significantly after Martin crossed to the Western Bulldogs.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 8/10
The Phantom — 7/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.6 per cent
James Sicily’s knee injury opened the door for a new KFC SuperCoach defensive king to emerge at Hawthorn, and Scrimshaw’s scoring went through the roof in the latter rounds of 2020.
The former Sun averaged 60.4 in his first five matches last season before emerging as a potential KFC SuperCoach star with an average of 82.9 from Round 11 onwards. After Sicily went down in Round 12, Scrimshaw scored 91, 93, 118 and 80 in consecutive matches.
He had a season-high 22 disposals against both Essendon and Adelaide during that stretch and six intercept possessions a game.
The Hawks’ backline is expected to be under siege for much of 2021 and that will give Scrimshaw plenty of opportunity to build on a promising finish to last season.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 7/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.2 per cent
Will Day (Haw) $384,400 DEF | 2020 ave: 71.5
If not Scrimshaw, then second-year defender Will Day looms as the player to step into the void left by Sicily.
Day was one of the top cash cows last year, surging from a starting price of $153,300 to finish the campaign at $344,900. While his best score of the campaign was 92 on debut, Day’s best run coincided with Sicily’s injury.
A consistent rookie who never dropped below 57 and scored 57-67 in eight of his 11 games, Day averaged 73.3 from Round 11. He takes kick-outs for the Hawks and every designated kick-in taker will benefit from an extra 5m to play with this season.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 6/10
Al Paton — 7/10
The Phantom — 6/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.4 per cent
Tom Green (GWS) $351,400 | 2020 ave: 72.7
No potential breakout list is complete without The Phantom’s favourite. Green is underpriced after featuring in six games in his debut season. He left a huge impression on KFC SuperCoaches with a score of 119 in Round 17 when he had 30 possessions (21 contested) against Melbourne in Round 17.
Leon Cameron has been a KFC SuperCoach nemesis for years, but any pre-season indication Green is set for a prominent midfield role will make him one of the most sought-after mid-pricers of 2021.
Clayton Oliver averaged 70.3 in his first season and 111.5 in his second. Green has the talent to replicate that spike, although anything above 100 would be a great result from a low starting price.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 8/10
Al Paton — 6/10
The Phantom — 9.99/10
OWNERSHIP: 6.6 per cent
Cameron Rayner (Bris) $392,900 FWD | 2020 ave: 73.1
The No.1 draft pick from 2017 has never been a huge ball-winner, but as he edges toward punch-hitting in the midfield he will become more of a factor in KFC SuperCoach.
Rayner has never averaged more than 13.5 disposals a game, which he did in his debut season. But his tackle numbers (3.2 a game) were a career-high last year and his 1.4 clangers a game was a career-best.
He still needs to be tally more possessions to have any chance of emerging as a premium forward and his starting price is higher than any mark he reached last season. His highest price in 2020 was $387,900 after finishing the season with scores of 80, 125, 36 and 114. Midfield pinch-hitters (think Jordan De Goey) are not traditionally great KFC SuperCoach scorers.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD:
Tim Michell — 4/10
Al Paton — 3/10
The Phantom — 2/10
OWNERSHIP: 0.7 per cent
Oscar McInerney (Bris) $443,400 RUC | 2020 ave: 82.5
McInerney set the foundation for a rise to KFC SuperCoach stardom in the second half of 2020 when he assumed the No.1 ruck mantle at Brisbane from Stefan Martin. The 205cm ruckman lifted his average from 67.8 in 2019 to 82.5 last season, averaging 92 points from Round 9 onwards.
Losing his DPP status (he was listed as a RUC-FWD last season) is a blow, but all the signs are there to suggest McInerney can become one of the best-scoring ruckmen of 2021. He’s unlikely to reach the heights of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy, but an average of 100-plus is certainly possible. Expect his time on ground to increase significantly after Martin crossed to the Western Bulldogs.
BREAKOUT LIKELIHOOD
Tim Michell — 7/10
Al Paton — 8/10
The Phantom — 7/10
OWNERSHIP: 1.6 per cent
The midfielder at all 18 clubs poised for a breakout 2021 season
We’ve gone through all 18 teams and picked out a midfielder who we believe could have that breakout season. This could mean ...
sen.com.au
We’ve gone through all 18 teams and picked out a midfielder who we believe could have that breakout season. This could mean ...
sen.com.au
KFC SuperCoach 2021: The Phantom’s rookie rankings
There are a number of potential KFC SuperCoach cash cows in the forward line. But which ones should you pick? The Phantom ranks the best options 1-10.
The Phantom
February 19, 2021 - 2:10PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
There appears to be number of potential cash cows in the KFC SuperCoach forward line for 2021.
But, as always, the key to success is nailing these rookie-price selections.
So which ones do we pick?
The Phantom ranks the forward cheapies - with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.
The verdicts will be updated in the build-up to Round 1.
1. James Rowe (Adel)
$117,300
After booting 35 goals in 2019, Rowe booted 38 majors in the minor round last year to win the Ken Farmer Medal as the SANFL’s leading goalkicker.
There’s, arguably, no player from the 2020 draft class more ready for the AFL than Rowe, who boasts uncanny goal sense and elite footy IQ. And, after a standout summer, and with Tyson Stengle stood down, the Crows agree.
“He is going really well – I’m happy to talk Rowey up,” Crows forwards coach James Rahilly said on Thursday.
“He’s at an AFL level, I’m very confident.”
The Phantom’s verdict: Rowe averaged 96 points per game, after posting 10 KFC SuperCoach tons, as a small-forward in the SANFL and is a rookie-price lock.
2. Braeden Campbell (Syd)
$189,300, Mid
“We like what Braeden can deliver off half-back and through the midfield, just because of his kicking,” John Longmire said recently.
Co-captain Josh Kennedy was just as excited about the Academy gun, declaring on Melbourne radio that Campbell will “have a pretty immediate impact either in the midfield or half-forward/half-back”.
That’s probably enough for me – his junior numbers are just the sweetener.
The skilful, goalkicking midfielder starred at every level he played at through a standout underage career, averaging 127 KFC SuperCoach points at the under-16 national carnival and 123 in four NAB League games in his bottom-age season of 2019.
The Phantom’s verdict: All signs point to Campbell being worth the top-end rookie price tag.
3. Nakia Cockatoo (Bris)
$123,900, Mid
By the time Brisbane’s Round 1 clash with Sydney rolls around, Cockatoo wouldn’t have played an AFL game for 1077 days.
So his position so high on this list makes me nervous.
In the talented 24-year-old’s last senior appearance, against the Eagles in Round 3, 2018, Cockatoo tallied 15 disposals, five marks, four inside 50s, three tackles and 43 SuperCoach points in 48 per cent game-time, before succumbing to a knee injury in the third term.
It’s a performance which sums up his KFC SuperCoach scoring potential, as well as his shocking run with injury.
But everything is going well in Brisbane and coach Chris Fagan says the Lions are “very excited by what we’ve seen to this point in time” with Cockatoo spending most of the pre-season training in a role across half-back.
The Phantom’s verdict: I’m still nervous but, if all goes to plan for Cockatoo and the Lions from here, you probably have to pick him on the bench, at least.
4. Phoenix Spicer (NM)
$117,300, Mid
Everything we’ve heard – and seen – out of Arden Street this summer about Spicer, the No. 42 pick from last year’s draft, has been overwhelmingly positive.
None more so than the match sim vision which shows the 18-year-old harassing the defenders, before hitting a teammate on the chest with a perfectly-weighted pass inside-50 after the ball was turned over.
Spicer also kicked two goals in a performance which draw praise from teammates, including Luke McDonald who gave the teenager ‘3 votes’.
In nine SANFL under-18 matches last season, Spicer dazzled on a wing, averaging 17 disposals, seven contested possessions, six inside-50s, six groundball-gets, five score involvements, four tackles and 101 points.
He posted five KFC SuperCoach tons, but also three scores of 68 or less – inconsistency which we are likely to see in his role at AFL level.
But in another sign the slightly-built speedster is ready to make the jump, Spicer impressed in four senior matches at Reserves level for South Adelaide, posting scores of 104 and 90.
The Phantom’s verdict: With Spicer’s looming small-forward role, we’re unlikely to see those numbers this year. A few below him on this list clearly have better scoring potential but he’s looming as a Round 1 starter – and one who can have an impact with limited possession.
5. Ely Smith (Bris)
$123,900, Mid
Smith was drafted as an inside-midfielder, with a brilliant vertical leap, after averaging 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, five tackles and 114 KFC SuperCoach points in the NAB League in 2018.
But with the depth of midfield talent at the Lions, Smith, who is yet to play a senior game, has trimmed down and dramatically improved his running capabilities in a bid to play on the outside.
And the 20-year-old, who averaged 19 disposals and 88 points in his first season in the NEAFL in 2019, has been one of the standouts over the pre-season, according to his teammates.
The Phantom’s verdict: If he can break into Brisbane’s midfield in any way, No. 5 is probably too low. But there’s still plenty to play out. On my bench for now.
6. Jarman Impey (Haw)
$212,800
After returning from a knee reconstruction mid-way through last season, Impey spent time at either end of the ground, struggling to have a consistent impact.
But he’s back in defence, a position he averaged 74 points in from 17 games in 2019, and was a highlight of the Hawks’ intra-club hitout this week.
“His run and carry and his ability to break a line off half-back, we really missed that last year,” Hawthorn development coach Sam Mitchell told the club’s website in February.
After a slow start in his first year at the club in 2018, Impey also averaged 71 points from Round 8 onwards.
A return to even that level will see the 25-year-old make some early cash.
The Phantom’s verdict: It might all depend on which bottom-price rookies make the Round 1 cut but there’s no doubt Impey will play – and make money.
7. Corey Durdin (Carl)
$117,300, Mid
Carlton’s best-22 looks pretty solid but if spot does open up, Durdin, the speedy small forward who made his SANFL league debut at 17, is more than ready.
He won the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the best player at the under-16 national carnival in 2018 and then booted five goals and averaged 74 KFC SuperCoach points in three senior appearances in 2019 as a 17-year-old.
Before the promotion, Durdin averaged 121 points in the under-18s and 108 at reserves level.
And if you take out his final two injury-affected scores of 20 and four, the 18-year-old, who is clever, know where the goals are and has plenty of class, averaged a solid 68 points against the bigger bodies as a forward in 2020.
The Phantom’s verdict: A lock for the bench if he squeezes in but that’s not certainty at this point.
There are a number of potential KFC SuperCoach cash cows in the forward line. But which ones should you pick? The Phantom ranks the best options 1-10.
The Phantom
February 19, 2021 - 2:10PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
There appears to be number of potential cash cows in the KFC SuperCoach forward line for 2021.
But, as always, the key to success is nailing these rookie-price selections.
So which ones do we pick?
The Phantom ranks the forward cheapies - with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.
The verdicts will be updated in the build-up to Round 1.
1. James Rowe (Adel)
$117,300
After booting 35 goals in 2019, Rowe booted 38 majors in the minor round last year to win the Ken Farmer Medal as the SANFL’s leading goalkicker.
There’s, arguably, no player from the 2020 draft class more ready for the AFL than Rowe, who boasts uncanny goal sense and elite footy IQ. And, after a standout summer, and with Tyson Stengle stood down, the Crows agree.
“He is going really well – I’m happy to talk Rowey up,” Crows forwards coach James Rahilly said on Thursday.
“He’s at an AFL level, I’m very confident.”
The Phantom’s verdict: Rowe averaged 96 points per game, after posting 10 KFC SuperCoach tons, as a small-forward in the SANFL and is a rookie-price lock.
2. Braeden Campbell (Syd)
$189,300, Mid
“We like what Braeden can deliver off half-back and through the midfield, just because of his kicking,” John Longmire said recently.
Co-captain Josh Kennedy was just as excited about the Academy gun, declaring on Melbourne radio that Campbell will “have a pretty immediate impact either in the midfield or half-forward/half-back”.
That’s probably enough for me – his junior numbers are just the sweetener.
The skilful, goalkicking midfielder starred at every level he played at through a standout underage career, averaging 127 KFC SuperCoach points at the under-16 national carnival and 123 in four NAB League games in his bottom-age season of 2019.
The Phantom’s verdict: All signs point to Campbell being worth the top-end rookie price tag.
3. Nakia Cockatoo (Bris)
$123,900, Mid
By the time Brisbane’s Round 1 clash with Sydney rolls around, Cockatoo wouldn’t have played an AFL game for 1077 days.
So his position so high on this list makes me nervous.
In the talented 24-year-old’s last senior appearance, against the Eagles in Round 3, 2018, Cockatoo tallied 15 disposals, five marks, four inside 50s, three tackles and 43 SuperCoach points in 48 per cent game-time, before succumbing to a knee injury in the third term.
It’s a performance which sums up his KFC SuperCoach scoring potential, as well as his shocking run with injury.
But everything is going well in Brisbane and coach Chris Fagan says the Lions are “very excited by what we’ve seen to this point in time” with Cockatoo spending most of the pre-season training in a role across half-back.
The Phantom’s verdict: I’m still nervous but, if all goes to plan for Cockatoo and the Lions from here, you probably have to pick him on the bench, at least.
4. Phoenix Spicer (NM)
$117,300, Mid
Everything we’ve heard – and seen – out of Arden Street this summer about Spicer, the No. 42 pick from last year’s draft, has been overwhelmingly positive.
None more so than the match sim vision which shows the 18-year-old harassing the defenders, before hitting a teammate on the chest with a perfectly-weighted pass inside-50 after the ball was turned over.
Spicer also kicked two goals in a performance which draw praise from teammates, including Luke McDonald who gave the teenager ‘3 votes’.
In nine SANFL under-18 matches last season, Spicer dazzled on a wing, averaging 17 disposals, seven contested possessions, six inside-50s, six groundball-gets, five score involvements, four tackles and 101 points.
He posted five KFC SuperCoach tons, but also three scores of 68 or less – inconsistency which we are likely to see in his role at AFL level.
But in another sign the slightly-built speedster is ready to make the jump, Spicer impressed in four senior matches at Reserves level for South Adelaide, posting scores of 104 and 90.
The Phantom’s verdict: With Spicer’s looming small-forward role, we’re unlikely to see those numbers this year. A few below him on this list clearly have better scoring potential but he’s looming as a Round 1 starter – and one who can have an impact with limited possession.
5. Ely Smith (Bris)
$123,900, Mid
Smith was drafted as an inside-midfielder, with a brilliant vertical leap, after averaging 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, five tackles and 114 KFC SuperCoach points in the NAB League in 2018.
But with the depth of midfield talent at the Lions, Smith, who is yet to play a senior game, has trimmed down and dramatically improved his running capabilities in a bid to play on the outside.
And the 20-year-old, who averaged 19 disposals and 88 points in his first season in the NEAFL in 2019, has been one of the standouts over the pre-season, according to his teammates.
The Phantom’s verdict: If he can break into Brisbane’s midfield in any way, No. 5 is probably too low. But there’s still plenty to play out. On my bench for now.
6. Jarman Impey (Haw)
$212,800
After returning from a knee reconstruction mid-way through last season, Impey spent time at either end of the ground, struggling to have a consistent impact.
But he’s back in defence, a position he averaged 74 points in from 17 games in 2019, and was a highlight of the Hawks’ intra-club hitout this week.
“His run and carry and his ability to break a line off half-back, we really missed that last year,” Hawthorn development coach Sam Mitchell told the club’s website in February.
After a slow start in his first year at the club in 2018, Impey also averaged 71 points from Round 8 onwards.
A return to even that level will see the 25-year-old make some early cash.
The Phantom’s verdict: It might all depend on which bottom-price rookies make the Round 1 cut but there’s no doubt Impey will play – and make money.
7. Corey Durdin (Carl)
$117,300, Mid
Carlton’s best-22 looks pretty solid but if spot does open up, Durdin, the speedy small forward who made his SANFL league debut at 17, is more than ready.
He won the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the best player at the under-16 national carnival in 2018 and then booted five goals and averaged 74 KFC SuperCoach points in three senior appearances in 2019 as a 17-year-old.
Before the promotion, Durdin averaged 121 points in the under-18s and 108 at reserves level.
And if you take out his final two injury-affected scores of 20 and four, the 18-year-old, who is clever, know where the goals are and has plenty of class, averaged a solid 68 points against the bigger bodies as a forward in 2020.
The Phantom’s verdict: A lock for the bench if he squeezes in but that’s not certainty at this point.
8. Finlay Macrae (Coll)
$126,900, Mid
The half-brother of future KFC SuperCoach hall-of-famer, Jack Macrae, is a similar story to Durdin.
If he’s picked in Round 1, and there’s a chance after an impressive summer on the track, Macrae is likely to be a decent scorer from the get-to.
He’s clean, clever in traffic, makes great decisions – remind you of anyone? – and impressed in Oakleigh’s run to the finals alongside Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Will Phillips in 2019, averaging 98 points in his last four NAB League games.
Like his older sibling, Macrae can play on the inside and the outside but, with Collingwood’s depth of onballers – even with Adam Treloar’s depature – it’s Tom Phillips’ wing role which appears his best chance at breaking in early.
The Phantom’s verdict: There’s gaps in the midfield at the Magpies, but there’s a few others lining up to fill them, too. Like you, I’m also hoping it’s Macrae – and if it is, he’ll rise up this list.
9. Joe Daniher (Bris)
$233,300
I’m nervous about Cockatoo but that term doesn’t even get close to summing up my feelings about Daniher.
But, if he’s really tracking as well as the Lions say he is, can we leave out a $233k player who averaged 86 points in his last full season and posted a KFC SuperCoach ton in his first game back from a long spell last year?
Probably not.
Sure, that season was 2017 and Daniher has played just 15 of a possible 66 home-and-away matches since, but even if the 26-year-old, being fed by a star-studded Brisbane midfield, produced a big opening month, it would be worth it.
The Phantom’s verdict: There’s been no setback over summer and he booted four goals in the Lions’ recent intra-club hitout. Sure, it could break you, but it could also make your year.
10. Archie Perkins (Ess)
$171,300, Mid
But he’s expensive and going to play forward, Phantom!?
He is, confirming the fact himself recently, but like my good friend, the KFC SuperCoach Hipster Matt Turner, pointed out, Perkins is very, very likely to be playing.
The pick No. 9 is more physically ready than a number of other draftees and his athleticism, overhead marking and x-factor has him in a position to take on a forward while he builds into the midfield star many predict him to become.
There’s not a lot of data to go on, though, with Perkins posting just one KFC SuperCoach ton in his bottom-age NAB League season.
But those involved at Sandringham were tipping his numbers to explode in 2020 before the pandemic hit.
There has been some Christian Petracca comparisons in terms of Perkins’ traits and the now star Demons midfielder averaged 72 points per game in a half-forward role in his debut season of 2016.
The Phantom’s verdict: Depending on what happens with the rest of the crop, like Hipster says, we may have to consider forking out for the future star.
11. Ned Cahill (Ess)
$161,200
Given all the pre-season talk, I had to include Cahill in some capacity.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on a guy in his second year, but I’m encouraged by Ned. He’s extremely neat with the footy,” Bombers assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa told the club’s website of Cahill’s move to defence in 2021.
And that’s encouraging, given the hole Adam Saad has left across half-back.
But with Dyson Heppell’s likely return to the back-half, and the fact Cahill, who was drafted as small-forward, admitting to never playing in defence before, I’m not convinced.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Deven Robertson (Bris) $176,800, Liam Henry (Freo) $184,500, Jake Bowey (Melb) $117,300, Paddy Dow (Carl) $202,400, Miles Bergman (Port) $123,900, Sam Flanders (GC) $192,300
$126,900, Mid
The half-brother of future KFC SuperCoach hall-of-famer, Jack Macrae, is a similar story to Durdin.
If he’s picked in Round 1, and there’s a chance after an impressive summer on the track, Macrae is likely to be a decent scorer from the get-to.
He’s clean, clever in traffic, makes great decisions – remind you of anyone? – and impressed in Oakleigh’s run to the finals alongside Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Will Phillips in 2019, averaging 98 points in his last four NAB League games.
Like his older sibling, Macrae can play on the inside and the outside but, with Collingwood’s depth of onballers – even with Adam Treloar’s depature – it’s Tom Phillips’ wing role which appears his best chance at breaking in early.
The Phantom’s verdict: There’s gaps in the midfield at the Magpies, but there’s a few others lining up to fill them, too. Like you, I’m also hoping it’s Macrae – and if it is, he’ll rise up this list.
9. Joe Daniher (Bris)
$233,300
I’m nervous about Cockatoo but that term doesn’t even get close to summing up my feelings about Daniher.
But, if he’s really tracking as well as the Lions say he is, can we leave out a $233k player who averaged 86 points in his last full season and posted a KFC SuperCoach ton in his first game back from a long spell last year?
Probably not.
Sure, that season was 2017 and Daniher has played just 15 of a possible 66 home-and-away matches since, but even if the 26-year-old, being fed by a star-studded Brisbane midfield, produced a big opening month, it would be worth it.
The Phantom’s verdict: There’s been no setback over summer and he booted four goals in the Lions’ recent intra-club hitout. Sure, it could break you, but it could also make your year.
10. Archie Perkins (Ess)
$171,300, Mid
But he’s expensive and going to play forward, Phantom!?
He is, confirming the fact himself recently, but like my good friend, the KFC SuperCoach Hipster Matt Turner, pointed out, Perkins is very, very likely to be playing.
The pick No. 9 is more physically ready than a number of other draftees and his athleticism, overhead marking and x-factor has him in a position to take on a forward while he builds into the midfield star many predict him to become.
There’s not a lot of data to go on, though, with Perkins posting just one KFC SuperCoach ton in his bottom-age NAB League season.
But those involved at Sandringham were tipping his numbers to explode in 2020 before the pandemic hit.
There has been some Christian Petracca comparisons in terms of Perkins’ traits and the now star Demons midfielder averaged 72 points per game in a half-forward role in his debut season of 2016.
The Phantom’s verdict: Depending on what happens with the rest of the crop, like Hipster says, we may have to consider forking out for the future star.
11. Ned Cahill (Ess)
$161,200
Given all the pre-season talk, I had to include Cahill in some capacity.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on a guy in his second year, but I’m encouraged by Ned. He’s extremely neat with the footy,” Bombers assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa told the club’s website of Cahill’s move to defence in 2021.
And that’s encouraging, given the hole Adam Saad has left across half-back.
But with Dyson Heppell’s likely return to the back-half, and the fact Cahill, who was drafted as small-forward, admitting to never playing in defence before, I’m not convinced.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Deven Robertson (Bris) $176,800, Liam Henry (Freo) $184,500, Jake Bowey (Melb) $117,300, Paddy Dow (Carl) $202,400, Miles Bergman (Port) $123,900, Sam Flanders (GC) $192,300
RUCKMEN
1. Matthew Flynn (GWS)
$123,900
With Braydon Preuss’ injury, the GWS Academy graduate’s long wait for an AFL debut may be over.
After being drafted at pick No. 41 in the 2015 national draft, the 200cm big man has failed to crack the senior side.
But the 23-year-old, after a slow start, has been developing nicely in the NEAFL in the past three years, and the Giants have been happy with his progress.
In 26 matches in 2018 and 2019, Flynn averaged 15 disposals, 24 hitouts – seven to advantage – five marks, three clearances and 98 KFC SuperCoach points.
We’re not talking Preuss replacements at R2, but Flynn is in line to help fill the ruck void at the Giants.
Veteran Shane Mumford, 34 – yes he’s still on the list – is going to have to play a bigger role than maybe he and the club expected, but the Giants’ other young ruckman Kieran Briggs has also had an injury-interrupted pre-season.
With Marshall gone from the premium forward mix, many KFC SuperCoach teams won’t bothering with a dual-position R3.
And, given the uncertainty around rookie-price players in other positions, a playing R3 in Flynn – and a non-playing loophole at, say, D8 - could be the better way to make money this year.
The Phantom’s Verdict: He’s taken a while but so do most big men. He’s not your R2 – or is he? – but Flynn is now looming as the perfect R3, especially if you are locking in the set-and-forget combination of Gawn and Grundy. I’m kidding about R2, by the way.
2. Josh Treacy (Freo)
$102,400, Fwd
Before the Preuss/Marshall/Flynn news, Treacy was every KFC SuperCoach’s R3, featuring in more than 55.7 per cent of teams – only Nakia Cockatoo was in more.
And with dual-position status and a basement price tag, it was a no-brainer.
It probably still is, too, if you going to trust a Peter Ladhams, Rory Lobb or the rookie next on this list in the forward line as your back-up ruck.
But he’s impressed on the track and in match simulation over summer with his physicality and contested marking, with forward Matt Taberner recently declaring Treacy has “a body ready for the AFL”.
In his bottom-age NAB League season, 194cm rookie-listed forward averaged 13 disposals, five score involvements, four marks – one contested – and 90 KFC SuperCoach points per game, while also booting 15 goals.
He may not turn out to be the best non-playing R3 loophole after all. He could, in fact, make money at some point.
The Phantom’s Verdict: A very interesting one. The perfectly-priced DPP for R3 but there’s a genuine chance he plays at some point. We might know more in a few weeks.
3. Riley Thilthorpe (Adel)
$202,800, Fwd
As the No. 2 pick, he’s expensive but Thilthorpe is likely to see plenty of early action in his debut season.
The Crows want to put their highest-ever pick on show in 2021 and, after having a big impact at senior level over the past two years, Thilthorpe is ready.
“We’d really like to get him out there, the more games we can get into him early the better,” coach Matthew Nicks said on SEN this week.
His hands are terrific in the air and even better on the ground and his ability to ruck as an extra midfielder makes him, almost immediately, Reilly O’Brien’s No. 2.
Thiltrohpe averaged 139 KFC SuperCoach points for South Australia at the under-16 national carnival in 2018.
And on either side of his five senior appearances for West Adelaide as a 17-year-old in 2019, Thilthorpe posted scores of 138, 138, 172 and 144 in his final four SANFL under-18 games.
Then, before a lingering groin injury ended his season, Thilthorpe averaged 85 points in his nine league games in 2019, playing a ruck-forward role – one similar to what he’s going to start his AFL career in.
He appears to have put the groin issue behind him and, now the big pre-season question might become which tall-forward makes way at West Lakes?
The Phantom’s Verdict: A KFC SuperCoach favourite of the future and, while his scoring may be limited in his debut-season role, he’s likely to be there more than a number of other KFC SuperCoach rookies.
4. Tom Fullarton (Bris)
$128,900, Fwd
The former basketballer, who was recruited as a category B rookie from the NBL in 2018, has developed dramatically during his time at the Lions.
After impressing in the NEAFL with his athelticsm, marking and running ability for a 200cm tall in 2019, Fullarton made his senior debut last year, booting 1.2 from eight disposals to finish with 54 KFC SuperCoach points.
He was injured in the first quarter of Brisbane’s next game.
Breakout big man Oscar McInerney is set to lead the ruck but Stefan Martin is no longer at the club and Archie Smith is yet to make the back-up spot his own.
Coach Chris Fagan does like to play two ruckmen and Fullarton’s ability as a forward might give him the upper-hand.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Pending selection, if you’re not throwing the R3 spot, Fullarton could be make some money early in the season. And the forward status could come in handy.
5. Lloyd Meek (Freo)
$123,900
Before a season-ending foot injury in 2019, the 203cm big man was dominating in the WAFL.
In Round 10 against South Fremantle, Meek finished with 17 disposals and 28 hit-outs – his fifth league appearance for the year.
A week later, the 21-year-old tallied 20 disposals, 36 hit-outs, six marks, six tackles, two goals and 177 KFC SuperCoach against Swan Districts, before limping off the ground in the final quarter.
Given the injury, and then the COVID pandemic, it was his WAFL last game.
But he’s back, fit and put on some considerable size, according to fellow ruckman Sean Darcy.
And with Darcy’s injury setback, which has put his AAMI Series in doubt, Meek could finally get his chance.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Would be great to see him in action in the AAMI series and from there, who knows?
6. Sam Hayes (Port)
$123,900
The highly-rated Port Adelaide big man is developing nicely with many at Alberton confident he’s going to have a big impact in the AFL soon enough.
After returning from an ACL injury in 2019, Hayes impressed at SANFL level, averaging 13 disposals, five hitouts-to-advantage, five score involvements, five marks and 87 KFC SuperCoach points, while also booting 10 goals, in 11 matches.
Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams are the Power’s top-two in the ruck but, after another solid performance in Saturday’s intra-club match, Hayes may soon be making a serious challenge.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Looks a likely KFC SuperCoach prospect in time.
1. Matthew Flynn (GWS)
$123,900
With Braydon Preuss’ injury, the GWS Academy graduate’s long wait for an AFL debut may be over.
After being drafted at pick No. 41 in the 2015 national draft, the 200cm big man has failed to crack the senior side.
But the 23-year-old, after a slow start, has been developing nicely in the NEAFL in the past three years, and the Giants have been happy with his progress.
In 26 matches in 2018 and 2019, Flynn averaged 15 disposals, 24 hitouts – seven to advantage – five marks, three clearances and 98 KFC SuperCoach points.
We’re not talking Preuss replacements at R2, but Flynn is in line to help fill the ruck void at the Giants.
Veteran Shane Mumford, 34 – yes he’s still on the list – is going to have to play a bigger role than maybe he and the club expected, but the Giants’ other young ruckman Kieran Briggs has also had an injury-interrupted pre-season.
With Marshall gone from the premium forward mix, many KFC SuperCoach teams won’t bothering with a dual-position R3.
And, given the uncertainty around rookie-price players in other positions, a playing R3 in Flynn – and a non-playing loophole at, say, D8 - could be the better way to make money this year.
The Phantom’s Verdict: He’s taken a while but so do most big men. He’s not your R2 – or is he? – but Flynn is now looming as the perfect R3, especially if you are locking in the set-and-forget combination of Gawn and Grundy. I’m kidding about R2, by the way.
2. Josh Treacy (Freo)
$102,400, Fwd
Before the Preuss/Marshall/Flynn news, Treacy was every KFC SuperCoach’s R3, featuring in more than 55.7 per cent of teams – only Nakia Cockatoo was in more.
And with dual-position status and a basement price tag, it was a no-brainer.
It probably still is, too, if you going to trust a Peter Ladhams, Rory Lobb or the rookie next on this list in the forward line as your back-up ruck.
But he’s impressed on the track and in match simulation over summer with his physicality and contested marking, with forward Matt Taberner recently declaring Treacy has “a body ready for the AFL”.
In his bottom-age NAB League season, 194cm rookie-listed forward averaged 13 disposals, five score involvements, four marks – one contested – and 90 KFC SuperCoach points per game, while also booting 15 goals.
He may not turn out to be the best non-playing R3 loophole after all. He could, in fact, make money at some point.
The Phantom’s Verdict: A very interesting one. The perfectly-priced DPP for R3 but there’s a genuine chance he plays at some point. We might know more in a few weeks.
3. Riley Thilthorpe (Adel)
$202,800, Fwd
As the No. 2 pick, he’s expensive but Thilthorpe is likely to see plenty of early action in his debut season.
The Crows want to put their highest-ever pick on show in 2021 and, after having a big impact at senior level over the past two years, Thilthorpe is ready.
“We’d really like to get him out there, the more games we can get into him early the better,” coach Matthew Nicks said on SEN this week.
His hands are terrific in the air and even better on the ground and his ability to ruck as an extra midfielder makes him, almost immediately, Reilly O’Brien’s No. 2.
Thiltrohpe averaged 139 KFC SuperCoach points for South Australia at the under-16 national carnival in 2018.
And on either side of his five senior appearances for West Adelaide as a 17-year-old in 2019, Thilthorpe posted scores of 138, 138, 172 and 144 in his final four SANFL under-18 games.
Then, before a lingering groin injury ended his season, Thilthorpe averaged 85 points in his nine league games in 2019, playing a ruck-forward role – one similar to what he’s going to start his AFL career in.
He appears to have put the groin issue behind him and, now the big pre-season question might become which tall-forward makes way at West Lakes?
The Phantom’s Verdict: A KFC SuperCoach favourite of the future and, while his scoring may be limited in his debut-season role, he’s likely to be there more than a number of other KFC SuperCoach rookies.
4. Tom Fullarton (Bris)
$128,900, Fwd
The former basketballer, who was recruited as a category B rookie from the NBL in 2018, has developed dramatically during his time at the Lions.
After impressing in the NEAFL with his athelticsm, marking and running ability for a 200cm tall in 2019, Fullarton made his senior debut last year, booting 1.2 from eight disposals to finish with 54 KFC SuperCoach points.
He was injured in the first quarter of Brisbane’s next game.
Breakout big man Oscar McInerney is set to lead the ruck but Stefan Martin is no longer at the club and Archie Smith is yet to make the back-up spot his own.
Coach Chris Fagan does like to play two ruckmen and Fullarton’s ability as a forward might give him the upper-hand.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Pending selection, if you’re not throwing the R3 spot, Fullarton could be make some money early in the season. And the forward status could come in handy.
5. Lloyd Meek (Freo)
$123,900
Before a season-ending foot injury in 2019, the 203cm big man was dominating in the WAFL.
In Round 10 against South Fremantle, Meek finished with 17 disposals and 28 hit-outs – his fifth league appearance for the year.
A week later, the 21-year-old tallied 20 disposals, 36 hit-outs, six marks, six tackles, two goals and 177 KFC SuperCoach against Swan Districts, before limping off the ground in the final quarter.
Given the injury, and then the COVID pandemic, it was his WAFL last game.
But he’s back, fit and put on some considerable size, according to fellow ruckman Sean Darcy.
And with Darcy’s injury setback, which has put his AAMI Series in doubt, Meek could finally get his chance.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Would be great to see him in action in the AAMI series and from there, who knows?
6. Sam Hayes (Port)
$123,900
The highly-rated Port Adelaide big man is developing nicely with many at Alberton confident he’s going to have a big impact in the AFL soon enough.
After returning from an ACL injury in 2019, Hayes impressed at SANFL level, averaging 13 disposals, five hitouts-to-advantage, five score involvements, five marks and 87 KFC SuperCoach points, while also booting 10 goals, in 11 matches.
Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams are the Power’s top-two in the ruck but, after another solid performance in Saturday’s intra-club match, Hayes may soon be making a serious challenge.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Looks a likely KFC SuperCoach prospect in time.
MIDFIELDERS
1. Will Phillips $198,300
It was Sam Walsh in 2019, Matt Rowell in 2020 and now, there’s no reason not to pick the top-price rookie midfielder in 2021.
I’m not saying Phillips will hit the same heights as Walsh and Rowell in their debut season but he has all the tools to go close.
He mixes a terrific ball-winning ability – at the contest and away from it – with clean hands and a burst of acceleration.
The ready-made Phillips averaged 148 KFC SuperCoach points at the national under-16 carnival in 2018 before starring alongside Rowell and Noah Anderson for Oakleigh in the NAB League finals series in 2019.
In his bottom-age year, Phillips finished with 120 KFC SuperCoach points or more in three of his final four games.
“The sky is the limit for Will, he’s a very impressive young man. He’s a tough inside midfielder that can win the ball on the inside and outside and he’s had it on a string at training,” North captain Jack Ziebell said recently.
The Phantom’s Verdict: On-field lock.
2. Luke Valente $123,900
The 20-year-old is finally fit and ready to make his mark after taking part in his first full pre-season since being drafted at pick No. 32 in 2018.
Valente averaged a huge 159 KFC SuperCoach points at SANFL under-18 level and 118 points as South Australia’s captain at the under-18 national carnival.
After battling injury in 2019, the the 187cm Valente was knocking down the selection door last year, despite no state-league footy.
And he’s been a standout on the track this summer, working hard on his running capability and showing off his skills on both sides of his body.
“We felt like he deserved an opportunity at AFL level this year (2020) but there was probably too many midfielders going well,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir told the club’s website in December.
There’s still plenty of young midfielders for Valente to push past but he’s making a good case.
“We’ve got strong confidence that Luke can become not only a very good AFL footballer, but we have high hopes for him to be someone who can influence others at the football club,” Longmuir said.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Another potential on-field option if he can force his way in – and the signs are good.
3. Riley Collier-Dawkins $123,900
Richmond’s top pick from the 2018 draft – No. 20 overall – is yet to break into the senior side, despite impressing in 20 VFL matches, with his 2019 grand final the highlight.
The 190cm midfielder, who boasts terrific speed away from the contest, was one of Richmond’s best, finishing with 15 disposals, nine contested possessions, six tackles, two goals and 109 KFC SuperCoach points – his third ton for the year - in the win over Williamstown.
Since then, Collier-Dawkins, who won 58 per cent of his possession in a contest in the VFL, has put on significant muscle and impressed all the right people.
“He’s has had a fantastic pre-season,” coach Damien Hardwick said on SEN on Monday.
“He’s very explosive, he’s very powerful, his fitness base has really improved and he’s matured.
“We always knew Riley was going to take a bit of time. I think he’s going to be a really good player for us.”
The Phantom’s Verdict: It’s a tough midfield to break into but, after biding his time, 2021 could be RCD’s year. And he has a game perfectly suited to KFC SuperCoach.
4. Cooper Stephens $123,900
Despite breaking his leg in his draft year, Stephens was picked at pick No. 16 in 2019 after a standout bottom-age season.
The tough 188cm midfielder won more 53 per cent of ball in a contest and averaged 122 KFC SuperCoach points in the final four NAB League games.
He then posted scores of 102 and 140 in the opening two rounds of the 2019 season before the injury.
After building back to full fitness last year, he was named emergency for the Cats five times but failed to crack the senior side.
If a spot opens up, Chris Scott is unlikely to have any hesitation throwing the talented 20-year-old straight into the middle.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Like Collier-Dawkins, Stephens’ game is suited to KFC SuperCoach scoring and he’s more physically-ready than a number of the recent draftees.
5. Tom Powell $153,300
If we’re talking pure KFC SuperCoach numbers, Powell is No. 1.
The ball magnet averaged 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, eight clearances and 154 KFC SuperCoach points in the SANFL under-18s last year, to win the McCallum Tomkins medal as the competition’s best player.
Powell passed three figures in every one of his 15 matches and recorded two KFC SuperCoach double tons.
But he doesn’t appear quite as ready for senior footy as Phillips, admitting he needs to put on a little bit of size to match it with the big inside-midfielders in January.
The Phantom’s Verdict: His staggering junior numbers put him at No. 5 and, while he might not be the Round 1 lock we all hoped he would be, he’s still a good chance to see senior action in a young North Melbourne midfield this year.
6. Sam Berry $117,300 MID
As a bottom-ager in the NAB League in 2019, Berry showcased his strength at the contest and his willingness to tackle – and do it hard.
The 181cm midfielder, who had 18 tackles and 17 contested possessions against Geelong in his fourth game for the year, also has great hands and elite endurance.
On that day against the Falcons, Berry finished with a huge 220 KFC SuperCoach points.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks will continue to play the kids and the pick No. 28 from last year’s draft has impressed over summer at West Lakes.
The Phantom’s Verdict: A strong, aggressive ball-winner with terrific defensive traits appears to suit the Crows’ needs. One to watch.
7. Errol Gulden $117,300 MID
The diminutive midfielder is a ball magnet who rarely fumbles, kicks goals and puts his teammates in better positions.
Gulden put together a standout junior career, impressing at every level he played at, posting KFC SuperCoach scores of 245, 177 and 149 at the under-16 national championships and 168, 131 and 105 in his three bottom-age NAB League games in 2019.
Then he averaged 88 points in three NEAFL matches as a 17-year-old.
The Swans Academy product has fit in seamlessly and is a big chance to break through in his debut season as a forward.
The Phantom’s Verdict: If you can do what he does with the football in-hand – and that’s often – does it matter how tall you are? No. Gulden is one who could rocket up this list when his Round 1 chances become clearer.
8. Connor Downie $117,300 MID
Downie is a great kick and has some serious speed, addressing two areas of need in Hawthorn’s engine room.
And, while he’s also been trialed across half-back and in a forward role, Hawks head of development Sam Mitchell recently confirmed Downie has “been playing mostly on a wing” over the pre-season.
The 185cm draftee is versatile and as dedicated as they come.
“He’s a ripper kid. Desperate to learn, desperate to improve, he wants to look at vision, he wants to grab hold of coaches,” Mitchell said.
The Phantom’s Verdict: He only posted KFC SuperCoach tons in four of his 14 NAB League games in 2019 but his skill and readiness should lead to points early on.
9. Jackson Mead $123,900
With a strong body, terrific skills and the ability to play in the midfield, and as a forward who can take a strong mark overhead, I thought Mead was a chance to break into the Power’s side in his debut season.
And he was on track, too, before a hamstring injury ruined the early part of 2020.
The same thing has happened again this summer with a bulked-up Mead impressing on the track before missing Port’s official intra-club game with a slight hamstring concern.
But, in a big positive, it’s unlikely to interrupt his Round 1 audition.
“He probably could’ve played – if it was a grand final he probably would’ve,” SANFL coach Matthew Lokan said post-match.
“He’s been training really well and had a really good summer and I’d expect him to play some good footy over the next couple of weeks”.
Mead, labelled “a very dynamic and explosive player” by teammate Hamish Hartlet, averaged 21 disposals and 106 SuperCoach points for South Australia and 20 disposals, eight marks and 101 points for the Eagles at reserves level in the SANFL in his draft year of 2019.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Port Adelaide’s best-22 is pretty set but Mead has plenty of weapons which coach Ken Hinkley would have to, at least, be thinking about. Watchlist.
10. Alex Davies $102,400
There is plenty of midfield talent at the Suns and that’s main reason Davies is this far down the list.
But when the former junior basketball star does get a chance, we’re picking him.
The 190cm midfielder is a strong first-possession winner with terrific hands in-close and a nice turn of foot. He played seven NEAFL games as a 17-year-old in 2019, and tallied a combined 34 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 18 groundball-gets, 12 clearances and 13 tackles in the final two rounds of the season.
Before his stint against the bigger bodies, Davies posted three KFC SuperCoach tons in four NAB League matches.
The Phantom’s Verdict: He might be more of a mid-season target but a $102k big-bodied midfielder with senior experience, who is cheap only because he was part of Gold Coast’s draft concessions, has to be on the list.
Others to watch: Jay Rantall (Coll), Jeremy Sharp (GC), Thomson Dow (Rich)
1. Will Phillips $198,300
It was Sam Walsh in 2019, Matt Rowell in 2020 and now, there’s no reason not to pick the top-price rookie midfielder in 2021.
I’m not saying Phillips will hit the same heights as Walsh and Rowell in their debut season but he has all the tools to go close.
He mixes a terrific ball-winning ability – at the contest and away from it – with clean hands and a burst of acceleration.
The ready-made Phillips averaged 148 KFC SuperCoach points at the national under-16 carnival in 2018 before starring alongside Rowell and Noah Anderson for Oakleigh in the NAB League finals series in 2019.
In his bottom-age year, Phillips finished with 120 KFC SuperCoach points or more in three of his final four games.
“The sky is the limit for Will, he’s a very impressive young man. He’s a tough inside midfielder that can win the ball on the inside and outside and he’s had it on a string at training,” North captain Jack Ziebell said recently.
The Phantom’s Verdict: On-field lock.
2. Luke Valente $123,900
The 20-year-old is finally fit and ready to make his mark after taking part in his first full pre-season since being drafted at pick No. 32 in 2018.
Valente averaged a huge 159 KFC SuperCoach points at SANFL under-18 level and 118 points as South Australia’s captain at the under-18 national carnival.
After battling injury in 2019, the the 187cm Valente was knocking down the selection door last year, despite no state-league footy.
And he’s been a standout on the track this summer, working hard on his running capability and showing off his skills on both sides of his body.
“We felt like he deserved an opportunity at AFL level this year (2020) but there was probably too many midfielders going well,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir told the club’s website in December.
There’s still plenty of young midfielders for Valente to push past but he’s making a good case.
“We’ve got strong confidence that Luke can become not only a very good AFL footballer, but we have high hopes for him to be someone who can influence others at the football club,” Longmuir said.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Another potential on-field option if he can force his way in – and the signs are good.
3. Riley Collier-Dawkins $123,900
Richmond’s top pick from the 2018 draft – No. 20 overall – is yet to break into the senior side, despite impressing in 20 VFL matches, with his 2019 grand final the highlight.
The 190cm midfielder, who boasts terrific speed away from the contest, was one of Richmond’s best, finishing with 15 disposals, nine contested possessions, six tackles, two goals and 109 KFC SuperCoach points – his third ton for the year - in the win over Williamstown.
Since then, Collier-Dawkins, who won 58 per cent of his possession in a contest in the VFL, has put on significant muscle and impressed all the right people.
“He’s has had a fantastic pre-season,” coach Damien Hardwick said on SEN on Monday.
“He’s very explosive, he’s very powerful, his fitness base has really improved and he’s matured.
“We always knew Riley was going to take a bit of time. I think he’s going to be a really good player for us.”
The Phantom’s Verdict: It’s a tough midfield to break into but, after biding his time, 2021 could be RCD’s year. And he has a game perfectly suited to KFC SuperCoach.
4. Cooper Stephens $123,900
Despite breaking his leg in his draft year, Stephens was picked at pick No. 16 in 2019 after a standout bottom-age season.
The tough 188cm midfielder won more 53 per cent of ball in a contest and averaged 122 KFC SuperCoach points in the final four NAB League games.
He then posted scores of 102 and 140 in the opening two rounds of the 2019 season before the injury.
After building back to full fitness last year, he was named emergency for the Cats five times but failed to crack the senior side.
If a spot opens up, Chris Scott is unlikely to have any hesitation throwing the talented 20-year-old straight into the middle.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Like Collier-Dawkins, Stephens’ game is suited to KFC SuperCoach scoring and he’s more physically-ready than a number of the recent draftees.
5. Tom Powell $153,300
If we’re talking pure KFC SuperCoach numbers, Powell is No. 1.
The ball magnet averaged 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, eight clearances and 154 KFC SuperCoach points in the SANFL under-18s last year, to win the McCallum Tomkins medal as the competition’s best player.
Powell passed three figures in every one of his 15 matches and recorded two KFC SuperCoach double tons.
But he doesn’t appear quite as ready for senior footy as Phillips, admitting he needs to put on a little bit of size to match it with the big inside-midfielders in January.
The Phantom’s Verdict: His staggering junior numbers put him at No. 5 and, while he might not be the Round 1 lock we all hoped he would be, he’s still a good chance to see senior action in a young North Melbourne midfield this year.
6. Sam Berry $117,300 MID
As a bottom-ager in the NAB League in 2019, Berry showcased his strength at the contest and his willingness to tackle – and do it hard.
The 181cm midfielder, who had 18 tackles and 17 contested possessions against Geelong in his fourth game for the year, also has great hands and elite endurance.
On that day against the Falcons, Berry finished with a huge 220 KFC SuperCoach points.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks will continue to play the kids and the pick No. 28 from last year’s draft has impressed over summer at West Lakes.
The Phantom’s Verdict: A strong, aggressive ball-winner with terrific defensive traits appears to suit the Crows’ needs. One to watch.
7. Errol Gulden $117,300 MID
The diminutive midfielder is a ball magnet who rarely fumbles, kicks goals and puts his teammates in better positions.
Gulden put together a standout junior career, impressing at every level he played at, posting KFC SuperCoach scores of 245, 177 and 149 at the under-16 national championships and 168, 131 and 105 in his three bottom-age NAB League games in 2019.
Then he averaged 88 points in three NEAFL matches as a 17-year-old.
The Swans Academy product has fit in seamlessly and is a big chance to break through in his debut season as a forward.
The Phantom’s Verdict: If you can do what he does with the football in-hand – and that’s often – does it matter how tall you are? No. Gulden is one who could rocket up this list when his Round 1 chances become clearer.
8. Connor Downie $117,300 MID
Downie is a great kick and has some serious speed, addressing two areas of need in Hawthorn’s engine room.
And, while he’s also been trialed across half-back and in a forward role, Hawks head of development Sam Mitchell recently confirmed Downie has “been playing mostly on a wing” over the pre-season.
The 185cm draftee is versatile and as dedicated as they come.
“He’s a ripper kid. Desperate to learn, desperate to improve, he wants to look at vision, he wants to grab hold of coaches,” Mitchell said.
The Phantom’s Verdict: He only posted KFC SuperCoach tons in four of his 14 NAB League games in 2019 but his skill and readiness should lead to points early on.
9. Jackson Mead $123,900
With a strong body, terrific skills and the ability to play in the midfield, and as a forward who can take a strong mark overhead, I thought Mead was a chance to break into the Power’s side in his debut season.
And he was on track, too, before a hamstring injury ruined the early part of 2020.
The same thing has happened again this summer with a bulked-up Mead impressing on the track before missing Port’s official intra-club game with a slight hamstring concern.
But, in a big positive, it’s unlikely to interrupt his Round 1 audition.
“He probably could’ve played – if it was a grand final he probably would’ve,” SANFL coach Matthew Lokan said post-match.
“He’s been training really well and had a really good summer and I’d expect him to play some good footy over the next couple of weeks”.
Mead, labelled “a very dynamic and explosive player” by teammate Hamish Hartlet, averaged 21 disposals and 106 SuperCoach points for South Australia and 20 disposals, eight marks and 101 points for the Eagles at reserves level in the SANFL in his draft year of 2019.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Port Adelaide’s best-22 is pretty set but Mead has plenty of weapons which coach Ken Hinkley would have to, at least, be thinking about. Watchlist.
10. Alex Davies $102,400
There is plenty of midfield talent at the Suns and that’s main reason Davies is this far down the list.
But when the former junior basketball star does get a chance, we’re picking him.
The 190cm midfielder is a strong first-possession winner with terrific hands in-close and a nice turn of foot. He played seven NEAFL games as a 17-year-old in 2019, and tallied a combined 34 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 18 groundball-gets, 12 clearances and 13 tackles in the final two rounds of the season.
Before his stint against the bigger bodies, Davies posted three KFC SuperCoach tons in four NAB League matches.
The Phantom’s Verdict: He might be more of a mid-season target but a $102k big-bodied midfielder with senior experience, who is cheap only because he was part of Gold Coast’s draft concessions, has to be on the list.
Others to watch: Jay Rantall (Coll), Jeremy Sharp (GC), Thomson Dow (Rich)