News Herald Sun SuperCoach Articles
- Thread starter Presto
- Start date
I actually like the Daicos comments, playing across half back is a very lucrative role for fantasy purposes and definitely something to watch.
Grundy comments very promising. At least assuming clarity of role means ruck pig
Would have liked a bit more pressing on De Goey, didn't give anything out there.
Moore could be an interesting play, scored exceptionally last year. Durability always iffy.
Crisp hard to read, scored better as a defender last year but I think he's the always underrated starting pick that's almost "too easy".
Sounds like he realises the idea of robbing the midfield to overload in the forwards was a pretty poor tactic last year and that when you've got a weaker forward line oversupply is the obvious solution instead of trying to push your best mids through there and hope they win a higher percentage of a lot less contests!
Wish there'd been more on Adams, I'm sneaky keen on him this year.
Pendles to HB seems an absolute lock based on the talk. Be watching closely in preseason, while he didn't set the world alight last time around his skillset is so well tailored to the role. Still really hard to pick a guy who definitely isn't a midfield premium as a starting pick even if the value would be there at that point.
Grundy comments very promising. At least assuming clarity of role means ruck pig
Would have liked a bit more pressing on De Goey, didn't give anything out there.
Moore could be an interesting play, scored exceptionally last year. Durability always iffy.
Crisp hard to read, scored better as a defender last year but I think he's the always underrated starting pick that's almost "too easy".
Sounds like he realises the idea of robbing the midfield to overload in the forwards was a pretty poor tactic last year and that when you've got a weaker forward line oversupply is the obvious solution instead of trying to push your best mids through there and hope they win a higher percentage of a lot less contests!
Wish there'd been more on Adams, I'm sneaky keen on him this year.
Pendles to HB seems an absolute lock based on the talk. Be watching closely in preseason, while he didn't set the world alight last time around his skillset is so well tailored to the role. Still really hard to pick a guy who definitely isn't a midfield premium as a starting pick even if the value would be there at that point.
He'd be a reason not to overload the defensive line with premiums. If he bounces back a bit and gets DPP in Round 6, he's not going to have made enough money to be exorbitantly expensive but should be a straightforward trade in still.
If he doesn't bounce back he's not worth it anyway, and if he doesn't get DPP I can't see him bouncing THAT much back to make him worth it.
If he doesn't bounce back he's not worth it anyway, and if he doesn't get DPP I can't see him bouncing THAT much back to make him worth it.
I actually like the Daicos comments, playing across half back is a very lucrative role for fantasy purposes and definitely something to watch.
Grundy comments very promising. At least assuming clarity of role means ruck pig
Would have liked a bit more pressing on De Goey, didn't give anything out there.
Moore could be an interesting play, scored exceptionally last year. Durability always iffy.
Crisp hard to read, scored better as a defender last year but I think he's the always underrated starting pick that's almost "too easy".
Sounds like he realises the idea of robbing the midfield to overload in the forwards was a pretty poor tactic last year and that when you've got a weaker forward line oversupply is the obvious solution instead of trying to push your best mids through there and hope they win a higher percentage of a lot less contests!
Wish there'd been more on Adams, I'm sneaky keen on him this year.
Pendles to HB seems an absolute lock based on the talk. Be watching closely in preseason, while he didn't set the world alight last time around his skillset is so well tailored to the role. Still really hard to pick a guy who definitely isn't a midfield premium as a starting pick even if the value would be there at that point.
Grundy comments very promising. At least assuming clarity of role means ruck pig
Would have liked a bit more pressing on De Goey, didn't give anything out there.
Moore could be an interesting play, scored exceptionally last year. Durability always iffy.
Crisp hard to read, scored better as a defender last year but I think he's the always underrated starting pick that's almost "too easy".
Sounds like he realises the idea of robbing the midfield to overload in the forwards was a pretty poor tactic last year and that when you've got a weaker forward line oversupply is the obvious solution instead of trying to push your best mids through there and hope they win a higher percentage of a lot less contests!
Wish there'd been more on Adams, I'm sneaky keen on him this year.
Pendles to HB seems an absolute lock based on the talk. Be watching closely in preseason, while he didn't set the world alight last time around his skillset is so well tailored to the role. Still really hard to pick a guy who definitely isn't a midfield premium as a starting pick even if the value would be there at that point.
- means I might plonk Macrae Jnr on my bench as a switch-hitter .... 3 pronged expensive midfield rookie rotation ...
- Would come at the potential cost of Hart, Maginess etc ... but have heard crickets about either of them ..
KFC SuperCoach AFL 2022 Rookie Bible: All the cheapies you need to know
With AFL practice matches a month and way, it’s time to devise our KFC SuperCoach rookie shortlist.
Well... a long short-list.
Money-making cheapies are the key to KFC SuperCoach success and we’ve got you covered with more than 50 profiles — including junior numbers and averages — on the best options.
A host of cash cows are already putting their hands up for selection and an AFL draft jam-packed with quality midfielders bodes well for our rookie prospects.
However, another Covid-19 interrupted year of junior football doesn’t work in our favour so much.
Find out which rookies you should be selecting below.
ADELAIDE
Josh Rachele $184,800 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 129 (NAB League)
The Crows need class, skill and x-factor forward of centre, and Rachele fits the bill right away. Adelaide’s top pick has already impressed on the track and if all goes from here, will improve Matthew Nicks’ side offensively from Round 1. The 18-year-old averaged 129 KFC SuperCoach points and booted 11 goals in four games, playing as a forward, in the NAB League last year and could be worth the top-end rookie price tag as a forward.
Jackson Hately $188,700 MID
2021 SC Ave: 99 (SANFL)
Hately managed just three senior appearances in his first year at the Crows after arriving with high hopes, following some impressive numbers in limited games for GWS. But the tall midfielder, who averaged 99 points in 10 SANFL games last year, hasn’t missed a beat over summer and could get his chance in 2022. It will be great buying if - and it’s still a reasonably-sized if - he does.
Luke Pedlar $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 20 (2 games), 57 (SANFL)
The first-round draft pick didn’t have a big impact in his first season at the Crows at any level. But there were glimpses in his 13-disposal debut against the Lions and the three-goal opener in the SANFL. And Pedlar, a tough ball-winner who can break away from congestion, has traits that are likely to translate to KFC SuperCoach scoring, should more chances come in a young Crows midfield.
Jake Soligo $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (NAB League)
There were some comparisons made to Swan Errol Gulden around draft time, given Soligo’s foot skills, clean hands at ground level and footy IQ. And that should get the attention of all KFC SuperCoaches. The 18-year-old matched it with the bigger bodies in the VFL last year and averaged 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions and six tackles in the NAB League. Word is he’s in front of fellow draftee Zac Taylor at the moment, too.
BRISBANE
Ely Smith $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 69 (VFL)
The 21-year-old spent much of the summer in KFC SuperCoach teams last year before the first of two syndesmosis injuries ruined his chances of an early-season debut. Smith, who was drafted as an inside bull before impressing as running midfielder early in 2021, played just four matches for the year – all in the VFL and none consecutive. But he’s fit and played on-ball in Brisbane’s recent match-sim – albeit in the B team.
Darcy Wilmot $139,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 87 (NAB League)
With the retirement of Grant Birchall, there could be an opening for the talented Wilmot who not only offers line-breaking run and neat ball-use from defence, but also a strong defensive mindset. The youngest player drafted last year – who Dayne Zorko is tipping to play AFL footy in 2022 - wasn’t a big ball-winner as a junior but he wins it back off the opposition and makes it count.
CARLTON
Charlie Curnow $224,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 51
A fit Charlie Curnow, who averaged 74 and 77 in his last two injury-free years – his second and third in the competition – is almost a no-brainer. And the signs are good so far this summer, but the fact is the talented forward, who played in the final four rounds of 2021, has played just 15 games since 2019. Monitor closely
Jesse Motlop $117,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 53 (WAFL), 71 (U18 Champs)
Small-forwards are never high on the watchlist for KFC SuperCoaches, but, after booting nine goals in eight WAFL matches last year, Motlop looks ready to step straight into a Blues line-up in need of a sublimely skilled goal-kicker. He might not post big numbers if does play, but – at this point – there aren’t many other forward bench options around at the price.
Corey Durdin $143,700 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 33 (2 games), 57 (VFL)
Motlop has arrived but Durdin could be the one to fill the Eddie Betts void first this year, after playing in the final two games of his debut season, He dominated in the midfield as a junior, with his speed, skill and footy smarts, before playing as a forward at senior level in his draft year. He’s one who could have an impact with limited possession, once he finds his feet.
Brodie Kemp $156,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 36 (2 games), 66 (VFL)
Carlton fans waited a long time to see Kemp in the Navy Blue after he did his ACL in his draft year. After impressing at VFL level, the versatile, 193cm 20-year-old showed some great signs in defence in Round 23, tallying 14 disposals, seven spoils, four rebound-50s and 52 points in his second career game. He can run through the midfield, and play as a forward, but he’s been, again, working with the defenders over summer.
COLLINGWOOD
Nick Daicos $193,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 159 (NAB League)
In his five NAB League games last year, Daicos posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 177, 166, 145, 169 and 138. He was ready for AFL footy last season – even the Magpies said he probably would’ve got a game. Daicos, who averaged 36 disposals and two goals, has the versatility and skill set to be used on each line, but new coach Craig Mcrae told News Corp recently the Magpies will “try to play him across halfback and through the midfield” early in his career. Mcrae went on to described Daicos as “an elite decision maker” who “sees things others don’t”.
Finlay Macrae $206,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 38 (9 games), 97 (VFL)
It was a frustrating first KFC SuperCoach season for Macrae, who battled for regular opportunity in Collingwood’s best 22. But he showed in spurts his elite ball-winning ability, highlighted by his 20-disposal performance in just 61 per cent game time against the Hawks in Round 21. Remind you of anyone? A consistent midfield role – one floated by Pies GM Nick Maxwell in January - for Macrae could bring a serious KFC SuperCoach spike, quickly.
Reef McInnes $123,900 MID
2021 SC Ave: 61 (VFL)
Maxwell also confirmed Collingwood wants to expose McInnes in the midfield in 2022. The big-bodied 194cm on-baller didn’t feature at senior level in his debut season but showed some great signs in the VFL. McInness, who lacks some polish by foot, tallied 19 disposals, 11 tackles and 106 points in Round 3 before finishing the year with 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions and nine clearances in his final game.
Charlie Dean $102,400 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 85 (VFL)
A mature-age intercept defender, who won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s best young player? Now that’s KFC SuperCoach gold as it was with Docker Luke Ryan in 2017. The ready-made Dean averaged eight intercepts and 85 KFC SuperCoach points per game for Williamstown and is a rookie lock if he can squeeze in for Round 1.
ESSENDON
Garrett McDonagh $117,300 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 84 (VFL)
You don’t pick 25-year-olds from the VFL to develop them. And Bombers list boss Adrian Dodoro confirmed just that post-draft, declaring the long-kicking defender “could possible play very early on in the piece”. McDonagh, a terrific runner who is a great ball user by foot, averaged 21 disposals, five intercepts, and five rebound-50s in the VFL last season.
Kaine Baldwin $123,800 FWD
2021 SC Ave: DNP
Baldwin join the Bombers as an SSP signing in early 2021 after being overlooked in the draft. In terms of talent, the Glenelg junior was on par with fellow South Australians Riley Thilthorpe and Lachie Jones, but two knee reconstructions saw him overlooked. He’s on the way, however, to completing a full pre-season and could be one to surprise in 2022.
Ben Hobbs $153,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 127 (NAB League)
With the return of Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell, coupled with the rise of Darcy Parish, it’s going to be a hard midfield to break into this year. But Hobbs is ready if there’s an opening. Taking out the injury-affected Round 4 score, the strongly-built teenager averaged 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six clearances, five tackles and 148 KFC SuperCoach points in the NAB League last season.
With AFL practice matches a month and way, it’s time to devise our KFC SuperCoach rookie shortlist.
Well... a long short-list.
Money-making cheapies are the key to KFC SuperCoach success and we’ve got you covered with more than 50 profiles — including junior numbers and averages — on the best options.
A host of cash cows are already putting their hands up for selection and an AFL draft jam-packed with quality midfielders bodes well for our rookie prospects.
However, another Covid-19 interrupted year of junior football doesn’t work in our favour so much.
Find out which rookies you should be selecting below.
ADELAIDE
Josh Rachele $184,800 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 129 (NAB League)
The Crows need class, skill and x-factor forward of centre, and Rachele fits the bill right away. Adelaide’s top pick has already impressed on the track and if all goes from here, will improve Matthew Nicks’ side offensively from Round 1. The 18-year-old averaged 129 KFC SuperCoach points and booted 11 goals in four games, playing as a forward, in the NAB League last year and could be worth the top-end rookie price tag as a forward.
Jackson Hately $188,700 MID
2021 SC Ave: 99 (SANFL)
Hately managed just three senior appearances in his first year at the Crows after arriving with high hopes, following some impressive numbers in limited games for GWS. But the tall midfielder, who averaged 99 points in 10 SANFL games last year, hasn’t missed a beat over summer and could get his chance in 2022. It will be great buying if - and it’s still a reasonably-sized if - he does.
Luke Pedlar $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 20 (2 games), 57 (SANFL)
The first-round draft pick didn’t have a big impact in his first season at the Crows at any level. But there were glimpses in his 13-disposal debut against the Lions and the three-goal opener in the SANFL. And Pedlar, a tough ball-winner who can break away from congestion, has traits that are likely to translate to KFC SuperCoach scoring, should more chances come in a young Crows midfield.
Jake Soligo $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (NAB League)
There were some comparisons made to Swan Errol Gulden around draft time, given Soligo’s foot skills, clean hands at ground level and footy IQ. And that should get the attention of all KFC SuperCoaches. The 18-year-old matched it with the bigger bodies in the VFL last year and averaged 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions and six tackles in the NAB League. Word is he’s in front of fellow draftee Zac Taylor at the moment, too.
BRISBANE
Ely Smith $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 69 (VFL)
The 21-year-old spent much of the summer in KFC SuperCoach teams last year before the first of two syndesmosis injuries ruined his chances of an early-season debut. Smith, who was drafted as an inside bull before impressing as running midfielder early in 2021, played just four matches for the year – all in the VFL and none consecutive. But he’s fit and played on-ball in Brisbane’s recent match-sim – albeit in the B team.
Darcy Wilmot $139,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 87 (NAB League)
With the retirement of Grant Birchall, there could be an opening for the talented Wilmot who not only offers line-breaking run and neat ball-use from defence, but also a strong defensive mindset. The youngest player drafted last year – who Dayne Zorko is tipping to play AFL footy in 2022 - wasn’t a big ball-winner as a junior but he wins it back off the opposition and makes it count.
CARLTON
Charlie Curnow $224,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 51
A fit Charlie Curnow, who averaged 74 and 77 in his last two injury-free years – his second and third in the competition – is almost a no-brainer. And the signs are good so far this summer, but the fact is the talented forward, who played in the final four rounds of 2021, has played just 15 games since 2019. Monitor closely
Jesse Motlop $117,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 53 (WAFL), 71 (U18 Champs)
Small-forwards are never high on the watchlist for KFC SuperCoaches, but, after booting nine goals in eight WAFL matches last year, Motlop looks ready to step straight into a Blues line-up in need of a sublimely skilled goal-kicker. He might not post big numbers if does play, but – at this point – there aren’t many other forward bench options around at the price.
Corey Durdin $143,700 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 33 (2 games), 57 (VFL)
Motlop has arrived but Durdin could be the one to fill the Eddie Betts void first this year, after playing in the final two games of his debut season, He dominated in the midfield as a junior, with his speed, skill and footy smarts, before playing as a forward at senior level in his draft year. He’s one who could have an impact with limited possession, once he finds his feet.
Brodie Kemp $156,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 36 (2 games), 66 (VFL)
Carlton fans waited a long time to see Kemp in the Navy Blue after he did his ACL in his draft year. After impressing at VFL level, the versatile, 193cm 20-year-old showed some great signs in defence in Round 23, tallying 14 disposals, seven spoils, four rebound-50s and 52 points in his second career game. He can run through the midfield, and play as a forward, but he’s been, again, working with the defenders over summer.
COLLINGWOOD
Nick Daicos $193,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 159 (NAB League)
In his five NAB League games last year, Daicos posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 177, 166, 145, 169 and 138. He was ready for AFL footy last season – even the Magpies said he probably would’ve got a game. Daicos, who averaged 36 disposals and two goals, has the versatility and skill set to be used on each line, but new coach Craig Mcrae told News Corp recently the Magpies will “try to play him across halfback and through the midfield” early in his career. Mcrae went on to described Daicos as “an elite decision maker” who “sees things others don’t”.
Finlay Macrae $206,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 38 (9 games), 97 (VFL)
It was a frustrating first KFC SuperCoach season for Macrae, who battled for regular opportunity in Collingwood’s best 22. But he showed in spurts his elite ball-winning ability, highlighted by his 20-disposal performance in just 61 per cent game time against the Hawks in Round 21. Remind you of anyone? A consistent midfield role – one floated by Pies GM Nick Maxwell in January - for Macrae could bring a serious KFC SuperCoach spike, quickly.
Reef McInnes $123,900 MID
2021 SC Ave: 61 (VFL)
Maxwell also confirmed Collingwood wants to expose McInnes in the midfield in 2022. The big-bodied 194cm on-baller didn’t feature at senior level in his debut season but showed some great signs in the VFL. McInness, who lacks some polish by foot, tallied 19 disposals, 11 tackles and 106 points in Round 3 before finishing the year with 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions and nine clearances in his final game.
Charlie Dean $102,400 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 85 (VFL)
A mature-age intercept defender, who won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s best young player? Now that’s KFC SuperCoach gold as it was with Docker Luke Ryan in 2017. The ready-made Dean averaged eight intercepts and 85 KFC SuperCoach points per game for Williamstown and is a rookie lock if he can squeeze in for Round 1.
ESSENDON
Garrett McDonagh $117,300 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 84 (VFL)
You don’t pick 25-year-olds from the VFL to develop them. And Bombers list boss Adrian Dodoro confirmed just that post-draft, declaring the long-kicking defender “could possible play very early on in the piece”. McDonagh, a terrific runner who is a great ball user by foot, averaged 21 disposals, five intercepts, and five rebound-50s in the VFL last season.
Kaine Baldwin $123,800 FWD
2021 SC Ave: DNP
Baldwin join the Bombers as an SSP signing in early 2021 after being overlooked in the draft. In terms of talent, the Glenelg junior was on par with fellow South Australians Riley Thilthorpe and Lachie Jones, but two knee reconstructions saw him overlooked. He’s on the way, however, to completing a full pre-season and could be one to surprise in 2022.
Ben Hobbs $153,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 127 (NAB League)
With the return of Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell, coupled with the rise of Darcy Parish, it’s going to be a hard midfield to break into this year. But Hobbs is ready if there’s an opening. Taking out the injury-affected Round 4 score, the strongly-built teenager averaged 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six clearances, five tackles and 148 KFC SuperCoach points in the NAB League last season.
FREMANTLE
Neil Erasmus $166,800 MID
201 SC Ave: 164 (WAFL Colts)
Injury interrupted his draft year but in the four WAFL Colts games he did play, Erasmus posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 204, 141, 161 and 149. As a midfielder, he averaged 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight marks, seven intercepts and two score assists. A game earlier, in the Colts grand final of 2020, Erasmus booted four goals on his way to 161 points as a bottom-ager, playing as a forward. And Erasmus, who is a different-sized midfielder to what the Dockers have, has been the standout draftee on the track.
Matthew Johnson $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 119 (WAFL Colts), 108 (Under 18 champs)
With senior experience and class on the outside, Johnson is another Dockers draftee a chance to have an impact in his debut season. It might not be early, given the 192cm teenager was sidelined by a fractured foot in late January, but the on-baller, who has been a great KFC SuperCoach at every level, could feature on a wing or at half-forward, as he did in the WAFL.
Nathan O’Driscoll $123,900 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 66 (WAFL)
The second-year midfielder returned to pre-season training in great shape and looks set to break in at some point in 2022. O’Driscoll attacks the ball and body ferociously, but is so clean, in similar fashion to Clayton Oliver. He won 62 per cent of his possession in a contest at WAFL League level in his draft year, but he found more footy in space during his first season with Fremantle’s reserves.
GEELONG
Cooper Stephens $123,900 MID
2021 SC ave: N/A
Stephens’ start to his career has been plagued by injury, suffering an ACL injury in his draft year and struck down by an ankle blow last season. In fact, he hasn’t even played a VFL due to his setbacks, coupled with Covid-19. But the former first round draftee has a ready-made frame and a debut looms large in 2022 off the back of a strong pre-season. A 188cm inside midfielder at this price entering his third season has to be on the radar of KFC SuperCoaches.
Mitchell Knevitt $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 122 (NAB League)
Spots in the Cats midfield are hard to come by – just ask Charlie Constable – but Knevitt’s has the profile of a potential SuperCoach beast. A hulking 193cm inside midfielder with a superb speed-endurance mix, Knevitt averaged 122 points across nine matches in the NAB League, culminating in totals of 151, 136 and 165 to finish the season. Keep an eye on his progress.
GOLD COAST
Elijah Hollands $123.900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 72 (VFL)
The pick 7 from last year’s draft hasn’t played a senior game but he’s on track to feature early in 2021, after an impressive finish to his debut season at VFL level. After working his way back from an ACL tear, Hollands, an explosive 188cm midfielder who can play forward, tallied 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five clearances and 112 KFC SuperCoach points in his third and final game for the year.
Alex Davies $202,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 60 (1 games), 86 (VFL)
Davies, a 191cm midfielder, is a contested-ball star, who hunts the body when he doesn’t get his hands on it first. On debut in the final round last season, Davies won 14 of his 17 possessions in a contest and applied six tackles, on his way to 62 KFC SuperCoach points. In his final four VFL matches before the season was called off, the 19-year-old Suns Academy graduate averaged 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles and 111 points. Is he the Hugh Greenwood replacement?
Charlie Constable $213,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 48 (3 games), 120 (VFL)
The Suns also have big-bodied midfielder Constable to help fill the Greenwood void after the former Cat was given a lifeline in the national draft. Numbers have never been a problem for Constable, opportunity – and maybe what he does without the ball – has. He averaged 23 disposals and 84 points in the first six games of his career in 2019, but Constable has played just six AFL games since. The 22-year-old finished his time at the Cats with scores of 175, 132 and 146 before the VFL season was called off in 2021.
Bodhi Uwland $102,400 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 141 (NAB League), 63 (VFL)
Uwland is ready to go after mixing it with the bigger bodies at VFL and QAFL level in 2021. Added to the Suns list via the club’s pre-draft concessions, the Academy gun averaged 63 points in six VFL matches, with his 19-disposal, 10-intercept, 112-point performance against Sydney the highlight. And the teenager also posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 151 and 120 in his two NAB League appearances.
GWS
Braydon Preuss $204,700 RUCK
2021 SC Ave: DNP
Preuss didn’t play a game due to injury in his first season at the Giants last year but the cheap R2 strategy could be back on. Remember, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. And in his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.
Finn Callaghan $198,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 111 (NAB League)
The rapid development of his inside game saw Callaghan bolt into the top three of last year’s draft. But we could see his speed, damaging left-foot and agility used on the outside early on in his career, given the Giants’ current midfield mix. Callaghan scored 105, 140, 132 and 138 in the his final four NAB League games but sits down the rookie pecking order, given his high price-tag - at this stage, anyway.
HAWTHORN
Josh Ward $180,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 133 (NAB League)
An ultra-consistent midfielder in the mould of his coach, Ward posted 124 points or above in four of his five NAB League games. Ward can be used on the inside and outside and his immense work-ethic means it’ll be a matter of when, rather than if, he debuts in 2022. Sam Mitchell will look to blood more kids in the Hawks’ regenerating phase and Ward looks set to be first cab off the rank. But is it too much to pay?
Max Lynch $207,700 RUC
2021 SC Ave: 52 (AFL); 97 (VFL)
Stuck behind Brodie Grundy at the Magpies, Lynch crossed to the Hawks in the trade period for greater opportunity. The 23-year-old ruckman held his own in his two games for Collingwood last year, and finished strongly in the reserves, averaging 113.3 points in his last four matches. While Jon Ceglar is out of the equation, the question mark remains whether he can leapfrog 2021 cash cow Ned Reeves in the ruck queue – especially at the price.
Connor MacDonald $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 148 (NAB League)
MacDonald was a ball-winning machine for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven inside 50s, five clearances and 148 KFC SuperCoach points per game in the NAB League last season. The inside midfielder’s professionalism should hold him in good stead as he vies for a debut, and we know the Hawks have an ageing midfield group.
Sam Butler $117,300 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 98 (NAB League)
We saw small forward Tyler Brockman receive early opportunities last year and Butler, the brother of St Kilda goalsneak Dan, could be a similar case. The forward/midfielder has elite all-round athletic traits, which can see him push for selection early doors. He averaged a promising 98 points per game at NAB League level splitting his time between the forward 50 and the midfield, but will most likely start his career in attack.
Neil Erasmus $166,800 MID
201 SC Ave: 164 (WAFL Colts)
Injury interrupted his draft year but in the four WAFL Colts games he did play, Erasmus posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 204, 141, 161 and 149. As a midfielder, he averaged 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight marks, seven intercepts and two score assists. A game earlier, in the Colts grand final of 2020, Erasmus booted four goals on his way to 161 points as a bottom-ager, playing as a forward. And Erasmus, who is a different-sized midfielder to what the Dockers have, has been the standout draftee on the track.
Matthew Johnson $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 119 (WAFL Colts), 108 (Under 18 champs)
With senior experience and class on the outside, Johnson is another Dockers draftee a chance to have an impact in his debut season. It might not be early, given the 192cm teenager was sidelined by a fractured foot in late January, but the on-baller, who has been a great KFC SuperCoach at every level, could feature on a wing or at half-forward, as he did in the WAFL.
Nathan O’Driscoll $123,900 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 66 (WAFL)
The second-year midfielder returned to pre-season training in great shape and looks set to break in at some point in 2022. O’Driscoll attacks the ball and body ferociously, but is so clean, in similar fashion to Clayton Oliver. He won 62 per cent of his possession in a contest at WAFL League level in his draft year, but he found more footy in space during his first season with Fremantle’s reserves.
GEELONG
Cooper Stephens $123,900 MID
2021 SC ave: N/A
Stephens’ start to his career has been plagued by injury, suffering an ACL injury in his draft year and struck down by an ankle blow last season. In fact, he hasn’t even played a VFL due to his setbacks, coupled with Covid-19. But the former first round draftee has a ready-made frame and a debut looms large in 2022 off the back of a strong pre-season. A 188cm inside midfielder at this price entering his third season has to be on the radar of KFC SuperCoaches.
Mitchell Knevitt $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 122 (NAB League)
Spots in the Cats midfield are hard to come by – just ask Charlie Constable – but Knevitt’s has the profile of a potential SuperCoach beast. A hulking 193cm inside midfielder with a superb speed-endurance mix, Knevitt averaged 122 points across nine matches in the NAB League, culminating in totals of 151, 136 and 165 to finish the season. Keep an eye on his progress.
GOLD COAST
Elijah Hollands $123.900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 72 (VFL)
The pick 7 from last year’s draft hasn’t played a senior game but he’s on track to feature early in 2021, after an impressive finish to his debut season at VFL level. After working his way back from an ACL tear, Hollands, an explosive 188cm midfielder who can play forward, tallied 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five clearances and 112 KFC SuperCoach points in his third and final game for the year.
Alex Davies $202,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 60 (1 games), 86 (VFL)
Davies, a 191cm midfielder, is a contested-ball star, who hunts the body when he doesn’t get his hands on it first. On debut in the final round last season, Davies won 14 of his 17 possessions in a contest and applied six tackles, on his way to 62 KFC SuperCoach points. In his final four VFL matches before the season was called off, the 19-year-old Suns Academy graduate averaged 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles and 111 points. Is he the Hugh Greenwood replacement?
Charlie Constable $213,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 48 (3 games), 120 (VFL)
The Suns also have big-bodied midfielder Constable to help fill the Greenwood void after the former Cat was given a lifeline in the national draft. Numbers have never been a problem for Constable, opportunity – and maybe what he does without the ball – has. He averaged 23 disposals and 84 points in the first six games of his career in 2019, but Constable has played just six AFL games since. The 22-year-old finished his time at the Cats with scores of 175, 132 and 146 before the VFL season was called off in 2021.
Bodhi Uwland $102,400 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 141 (NAB League), 63 (VFL)
Uwland is ready to go after mixing it with the bigger bodies at VFL and QAFL level in 2021. Added to the Suns list via the club’s pre-draft concessions, the Academy gun averaged 63 points in six VFL matches, with his 19-disposal, 10-intercept, 112-point performance against Sydney the highlight. And the teenager also posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 151 and 120 in his two NAB League appearances.
GWS
Braydon Preuss $204,700 RUCK
2021 SC Ave: DNP
Preuss didn’t play a game due to injury in his first season at the Giants last year but the cheap R2 strategy could be back on. Remember, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. And in his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.
Finn Callaghan $198,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 111 (NAB League)
The rapid development of his inside game saw Callaghan bolt into the top three of last year’s draft. But we could see his speed, damaging left-foot and agility used on the outside early on in his career, given the Giants’ current midfield mix. Callaghan scored 105, 140, 132 and 138 in the his final four NAB League games but sits down the rookie pecking order, given his high price-tag - at this stage, anyway.
HAWTHORN
Josh Ward $180,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 133 (NAB League)
An ultra-consistent midfielder in the mould of his coach, Ward posted 124 points or above in four of his five NAB League games. Ward can be used on the inside and outside and his immense work-ethic means it’ll be a matter of when, rather than if, he debuts in 2022. Sam Mitchell will look to blood more kids in the Hawks’ regenerating phase and Ward looks set to be first cab off the rank. But is it too much to pay?
Max Lynch $207,700 RUC
2021 SC Ave: 52 (AFL); 97 (VFL)
Stuck behind Brodie Grundy at the Magpies, Lynch crossed to the Hawks in the trade period for greater opportunity. The 23-year-old ruckman held his own in his two games for Collingwood last year, and finished strongly in the reserves, averaging 113.3 points in his last four matches. While Jon Ceglar is out of the equation, the question mark remains whether he can leapfrog 2021 cash cow Ned Reeves in the ruck queue – especially at the price.
Connor MacDonald $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 148 (NAB League)
MacDonald was a ball-winning machine for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven inside 50s, five clearances and 148 KFC SuperCoach points per game in the NAB League last season. The inside midfielder’s professionalism should hold him in good stead as he vies for a debut, and we know the Hawks have an ageing midfield group.
Sam Butler $117,300 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 98 (NAB League)
We saw small forward Tyler Brockman receive early opportunities last year and Butler, the brother of St Kilda goalsneak Dan, could be a similar case. The forward/midfielder has elite all-round athletic traits, which can see him push for selection early doors. He averaged a promising 98 points per game at NAB League level splitting his time between the forward 50 and the midfield, but will most likely start his career in attack.
MELBOURNE
Jacob van Rooyen $126,300 DEF/FWD
2021 SC Ave: 132 (WAFLC), 90 (U18 Champs)
Looking for cheapies at the Demons is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but van Rooyen shapes as the best of them. The key-position swingman thrived at both ends last year, averaging a whopping 132 points and kicked 38 goals across nine WAFL Colts matches before impressing down back at national level. Don’t expect those kind of numbers from him at the top level, but he has the strength and power to put his hand up this year.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jason Horne-Francis $207,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 88 (SANFL)
24 disposals. 18 contested possessions. 11 clearances. 160 SuperCoach points. And 3.2. In a SANFL preliminary final – at 18! The highlights of this dominant display should ease any concerns for those who aren’t keen on starting a high-priced rookie. The No.1 draft pick should be locked and loaded for Round 1 after 29 games against grown men over the past two seasons.
PORT ADELAIDE
Sam Skinner $123,900 DEF/FWD
2021 SC Ave: 84 (21 games)
Yes, the same Sam Skinner who averaged 44.5 points in two matches for the Lions in 2020. However, this time he comes into calculations as a swingman who thrived as an intercepting defender at SANFL level last year. Skinner finished the year averaging 103.2 points from his last seven matches in the role, with the highlight being an unbelievable 10 contested mark, 147-point display. His age profile, DEF/FWD status, mature-age scoring potential are extremely promising for SuperCoach, but it’s a difficult defence to crack into.
Jackson Mead $123,900 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 77 (SANFL)
Mead missed 12 weeks and even spent time in intensive care after suffering a lacerated spleen, and the uncapped midfielder has made up for lost time this pre-season. The 20-year-old is closing in on a debut after an impressive off-season, with his sights set on an on-ball spot. Entering his third year, Mead is hungry for opportunity and shapes as one of the leading midfield rookie contenders.
Josh Sinn $157,800 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 90 (NAB League)
The Power are well stocked for defenders, but Josh Sinn provides a point-of-difference with his ability to break the lines with his speed and raking left boot. The 188cm product has the potential, ready-made frame and running capacity to feature early, and he should have a friendly role across half-back. It is worth remembering that Port Adelaide gave away a prized selection to move up the order and take Sinn, and coach Ken Hinkley isn’t afraid to give the youngsters a crack.
Sam Hayes $123,900 RUC
2021 SC Ave: 100 (SANFL)
Hayes finished the SANFL season strongly last year, recording eight scores of 99 or more in his last 11 matches, including four 120-plus totals. Entering his fourth season, the ruckman is ready in the wings to make his debut and the departure of Peter Ladhams helps his cause. One of the the better cheap ruck bench options, but Scott Lycett holds the ruck mantle at the Power.
RICHMOND
Tyler Sonsie $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 104 (NAB League), 64 (VFL)
Sonsie was another surprise slider on draft night, mostly due to being cruelled by injury, but his exceptional VFL debut last year makes him a player of interest in SuperCoach. The classy midfielder finished with 24 disposals, two goals and 64 points for Box Hill, showing he has the talent to perform against men.
Josh Gibcus $171,300
2021 SC Ave: 83 (NAB League)
Gibcus is the intercept king of last year’s draft, leading the NAB League in intercept marks (3.2 per game) and intercept possessions (7.9). The retirement of David Astbury opens the door for a key defender, but the Tigers may go down the same route that Hawthorn did with fellow key defender Denver Grainger-Barras last year. Nonetheless, he is one to keep tabs on.
ST KILDA
Mitch Owens $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 101
Owens’ rapid development last year saw him shoot up significantly in his draft year – both in height and ability. The 190cm midfielder posted SuperCoach tons in his final three NAB League games – two of which exceeded 120. His overhead marking and size could add something different for the Saints up forward or through the middle in 2022.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera $162,300 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 83 (SANFLR); 61 (SANFL)
Picked up by a side that lacks polished distributors, Wanganeen-Milera should see action this year as the best kick of the 2021 draft class. The skilful wingman averaged 83 SuperCoach points and 15 touches across 13 games for Glenelg, with his kicking weapon boding well for his scoring. And he has cash cow in his blood, as the son of former St Kilda SuperCoach cheapie Terry Milera.
SYDNEY
Dylan Stephens $167,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 30.8 (AFL), 101 (VFL)
On the surface, Stephen’s average of 30.8 from six matches in his second season sets off alarm bells. But Stephen’s was hardly given a chance by John Longmire, spending just 49.4 per cent of his time on the park. It looks it it’ll be a different story in 2022, and that’s straight from the Horse’s mouth: “Dylan Stephens is one that really stands out. He has been training at a really high intensity and he’s put on some size, which we wanted him to do.” The top-five draft pick, who averaged 101 points and 28 disposals in the reserves last year, looms as a possible on-field cheapie option.
Matty Roberts $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 2021 (SANFL U18s), 63 (SANFL)
Roberts was a draft slider after questions marks over his athleticism, but try these numbers on for size. Roberts averaged a Herculean 201 points, 32 disposals, 23.3 kicks, 14.3 contested possessions, 6.3 clearances and kicked five goals in his three SANFL U18s matches. The hardnosed midfielder/forward then showcased his versatility against men at SANFL level for South Adelaide, averaged 63 points, 11 touches and a tick under a goal per game alongside Jason Horne-Francis. With the Swans’ ageing on-ball brigade, KFC SuperCoaches could be thanking club recruiters for overlooking Roberts.
Will Gould $123,900 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 83 (VFL)
Another pre-season of Gould-hype begins. Is the mythical defender on the cusp of a long-awaited debut? If the talk out of Sydney is to be believed, Gould has been catching the eye on the track – but we’ve been fooled before. The loss of Jordan Dawson means there is a spot up for grabs in defence, and his VFL numbers last season were promising, averaging 83 points with two 120-plus totals. For tradition’s sake, plonk him on your bench - for now.
Angus Sheldrick $130,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 152 (WAFLC), 108 (U18 Champs)
Sheldrick’s SuperCoach potential was on full display in the WAFL Colts last season, where he averaged a mind-boggling 152 points from his nine matches, with a floor of 129 – now that’s consistency. The inside bull won an absurd 63 per cent of his possessions in a contest and averaged a goal per game, closing out the season with scores of 176, 144 and 164 during the finals. While he is being trialled in a less SuperCoach friendly role as a small forward in his first pre-season at the Swans, he has the tools to score well.
Jacob van Rooyen $126,300 DEF/FWD
2021 SC Ave: 132 (WAFLC), 90 (U18 Champs)
Looking for cheapies at the Demons is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but van Rooyen shapes as the best of them. The key-position swingman thrived at both ends last year, averaging a whopping 132 points and kicked 38 goals across nine WAFL Colts matches before impressing down back at national level. Don’t expect those kind of numbers from him at the top level, but he has the strength and power to put his hand up this year.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jason Horne-Francis $207,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 88 (SANFL)
24 disposals. 18 contested possessions. 11 clearances. 160 SuperCoach points. And 3.2. In a SANFL preliminary final – at 18! The highlights of this dominant display should ease any concerns for those who aren’t keen on starting a high-priced rookie. The No.1 draft pick should be locked and loaded for Round 1 after 29 games against grown men over the past two seasons.
PORT ADELAIDE
Sam Skinner $123,900 DEF/FWD
2021 SC Ave: 84 (21 games)
Yes, the same Sam Skinner who averaged 44.5 points in two matches for the Lions in 2020. However, this time he comes into calculations as a swingman who thrived as an intercepting defender at SANFL level last year. Skinner finished the year averaging 103.2 points from his last seven matches in the role, with the highlight being an unbelievable 10 contested mark, 147-point display. His age profile, DEF/FWD status, mature-age scoring potential are extremely promising for SuperCoach, but it’s a difficult defence to crack into.
Jackson Mead $123,900 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 77 (SANFL)
Mead missed 12 weeks and even spent time in intensive care after suffering a lacerated spleen, and the uncapped midfielder has made up for lost time this pre-season. The 20-year-old is closing in on a debut after an impressive off-season, with his sights set on an on-ball spot. Entering his third year, Mead is hungry for opportunity and shapes as one of the leading midfield rookie contenders.
Josh Sinn $157,800 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 90 (NAB League)
The Power are well stocked for defenders, but Josh Sinn provides a point-of-difference with his ability to break the lines with his speed and raking left boot. The 188cm product has the potential, ready-made frame and running capacity to feature early, and he should have a friendly role across half-back. It is worth remembering that Port Adelaide gave away a prized selection to move up the order and take Sinn, and coach Ken Hinkley isn’t afraid to give the youngsters a crack.
Sam Hayes $123,900 RUC
2021 SC Ave: 100 (SANFL)
Hayes finished the SANFL season strongly last year, recording eight scores of 99 or more in his last 11 matches, including four 120-plus totals. Entering his fourth season, the ruckman is ready in the wings to make his debut and the departure of Peter Ladhams helps his cause. One of the the better cheap ruck bench options, but Scott Lycett holds the ruck mantle at the Power.
RICHMOND
Tyler Sonsie $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 104 (NAB League), 64 (VFL)
Sonsie was another surprise slider on draft night, mostly due to being cruelled by injury, but his exceptional VFL debut last year makes him a player of interest in SuperCoach. The classy midfielder finished with 24 disposals, two goals and 64 points for Box Hill, showing he has the talent to perform against men.
Josh Gibcus $171,300
2021 SC Ave: 83 (NAB League)
Gibcus is the intercept king of last year’s draft, leading the NAB League in intercept marks (3.2 per game) and intercept possessions (7.9). The retirement of David Astbury opens the door for a key defender, but the Tigers may go down the same route that Hawthorn did with fellow key defender Denver Grainger-Barras last year. Nonetheless, he is one to keep tabs on.
ST KILDA
Mitch Owens $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 101
Owens’ rapid development last year saw him shoot up significantly in his draft year – both in height and ability. The 190cm midfielder posted SuperCoach tons in his final three NAB League games – two of which exceeded 120. His overhead marking and size could add something different for the Saints up forward or through the middle in 2022.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera $162,300 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 83 (SANFLR); 61 (SANFL)
Picked up by a side that lacks polished distributors, Wanganeen-Milera should see action this year as the best kick of the 2021 draft class. The skilful wingman averaged 83 SuperCoach points and 15 touches across 13 games for Glenelg, with his kicking weapon boding well for his scoring. And he has cash cow in his blood, as the son of former St Kilda SuperCoach cheapie Terry Milera.
SYDNEY
Dylan Stephens $167,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 30.8 (AFL), 101 (VFL)
On the surface, Stephen’s average of 30.8 from six matches in his second season sets off alarm bells. But Stephen’s was hardly given a chance by John Longmire, spending just 49.4 per cent of his time on the park. It looks it it’ll be a different story in 2022, and that’s straight from the Horse’s mouth: “Dylan Stephens is one that really stands out. He has been training at a really high intensity and he’s put on some size, which we wanted him to do.” The top-five draft pick, who averaged 101 points and 28 disposals in the reserves last year, looms as a possible on-field cheapie option.
Matty Roberts $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 2021 (SANFL U18s), 63 (SANFL)
Roberts was a draft slider after questions marks over his athleticism, but try these numbers on for size. Roberts averaged a Herculean 201 points, 32 disposals, 23.3 kicks, 14.3 contested possessions, 6.3 clearances and kicked five goals in his three SANFL U18s matches. The hardnosed midfielder/forward then showcased his versatility against men at SANFL level for South Adelaide, averaged 63 points, 11 touches and a tick under a goal per game alongside Jason Horne-Francis. With the Swans’ ageing on-ball brigade, KFC SuperCoaches could be thanking club recruiters for overlooking Roberts.
Will Gould $123,900 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 83 (VFL)
Another pre-season of Gould-hype begins. Is the mythical defender on the cusp of a long-awaited debut? If the talk out of Sydney is to be believed, Gould has been catching the eye on the track – but we’ve been fooled before. The loss of Jordan Dawson means there is a spot up for grabs in defence, and his VFL numbers last season were promising, averaging 83 points with two 120-plus totals. For tradition’s sake, plonk him on your bench - for now.
Angus Sheldrick $130,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 152 (WAFLC), 108 (U18 Champs)
Sheldrick’s SuperCoach potential was on full display in the WAFL Colts last season, where he averaged a mind-boggling 152 points from his nine matches, with a floor of 129 – now that’s consistency. The inside bull won an absurd 63 per cent of his possessions in a contest and averaged a goal per game, closing out the season with scores of 176, 144 and 164 during the finals. While he is being trialled in a less SuperCoach friendly role as a small forward in his first pre-season at the Swans, he has the tools to score well.
WEST COAST
Greg Clark $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 121 (WAFL)
Mature age pick-ups are KFC SuperCoach gold and Clark registered some mouth-watering numbers in the WAFL last season for Subiaco. The 24-year-old averaged 27.5 disposals, 7.3 tackles 4.9 clearances and 121 points – this is including an injury affected score of 1. Clark, a 193cm goalkicking midfielder, generated scores of 135, 140 and 181 in the WAFL finals series – the last of those coming in Subiaco’s grand final win, where he finished with 25 disposals, 14 tackles, six clearances and two goals. Another injury to West Coast Luke Shuey could increase his chances of an early debut.
Brady Hough $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (WAFL), 117 (WAFLC)
An athletic utility with good skills, Hough turned heads in his sole WAFL senior appearance for Peel Thunder last year, tallying 22 disposals, nine marks, a goal and 114 points. The 190cm product played a variety of different roles at WAFL Colts and state level, and could settle in at either end for the Eagles.
Campbell Chesser $148,800 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 98 (NAB League)
Better known for his oversized West Coast jumper that he received on draft night than his footballing ability, Chesser is an explosive defender/midfielder who is capable of seeing senior action this year. Chesser battled through injuries in 2021, averaging 18.3 disposals and 98 KFC SuperCoach points, but he was in the Eagles’ sights on draft night as he brings what the Eagles lack: outside speed.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Robbie McComb $102,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 106 (VFL)
McComb’s breakout VFL campaign saw him become the latest Western Bulldogs recruit off the Footscray mature-age production line. The 180cm midfielder averaged 106 KFC SuperCoach points, 25 disposals, five inside 50s and five tackles. At 26, McComb is ready to go and while breaking into that Bulldogs midfield is near on impossible, there could be a spot for him as a pressure forward.
Charlie Parker $102,400 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 68 (SANFL)
Parker joined McComb at the Bulldogs via the rookie draft, with the former cricketer rising from the SANFL reserves to the AFL in a matter of months. The 24-year-old, who averaging 14 disposals and 68 points in his nine SANFL games for Sturt last year, has turned heads with his endurance during his first pre-season at the kennel. His dual position status, price and age profile suggests he is one to watch.
Greg Clark $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 121 (WAFL)
Mature age pick-ups are KFC SuperCoach gold and Clark registered some mouth-watering numbers in the WAFL last season for Subiaco. The 24-year-old averaged 27.5 disposals, 7.3 tackles 4.9 clearances and 121 points – this is including an injury affected score of 1. Clark, a 193cm goalkicking midfielder, generated scores of 135, 140 and 181 in the WAFL finals series – the last of those coming in Subiaco’s grand final win, where he finished with 25 disposals, 14 tackles, six clearances and two goals. Another injury to West Coast Luke Shuey could increase his chances of an early debut.
Brady Hough $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (WAFL), 117 (WAFLC)
An athletic utility with good skills, Hough turned heads in his sole WAFL senior appearance for Peel Thunder last year, tallying 22 disposals, nine marks, a goal and 114 points. The 190cm product played a variety of different roles at WAFL Colts and state level, and could settle in at either end for the Eagles.
Campbell Chesser $148,800 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 98 (NAB League)
Better known for his oversized West Coast jumper that he received on draft night than his footballing ability, Chesser is an explosive defender/midfielder who is capable of seeing senior action this year. Chesser battled through injuries in 2021, averaging 18.3 disposals and 98 KFC SuperCoach points, but he was in the Eagles’ sights on draft night as he brings what the Eagles lack: outside speed.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Robbie McComb $102,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 106 (VFL)
McComb’s breakout VFL campaign saw him become the latest Western Bulldogs recruit off the Footscray mature-age production line. The 180cm midfielder averaged 106 KFC SuperCoach points, 25 disposals, five inside 50s and five tackles. At 26, McComb is ready to go and while breaking into that Bulldogs midfield is near on impossible, there could be a spot for him as a pressure forward.
Charlie Parker $102,400 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 68 (SANFL)
Parker joined McComb at the Bulldogs via the rookie draft, with the former cricketer rising from the SANFL reserves to the AFL in a matter of months. The 24-year-old, who averaging 14 disposals and 68 points in his nine SANFL games for Sturt last year, has turned heads with his endurance during his first pre-season at the kennel. His dual position status, price and age profile suggests he is one to watch.
from Foxfooty.com.au
ADELAIDE CROWS
B: Luke Brown, Jordon Butts, Andrew McPherson
HB: Brodie Smith, Tom Doedee, Wayne Milera
C: Jordan Dawson, Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman
HF: Harry Schoenberg, Riley Thilthorpe, Shane McAdam
F: Ned McHenry, Darcy Fogarty, Josh Rachele
FOLL: Reilly O’Brien, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane
I/C: Matt Crouch, Chayce Jones, Will Hamill, Lachlan Sholl
In: Jordan Dawson, Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo, Zac Taylor, Luke Nankervis
Out: Tom Lynch, David Mackay, Tyson Stengle, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly, Ronin O’Connor
WE SAY: Taylor Walker won’t be there as he’ll still be serving a club-imposed suspension. We’ve named Paul Seedsman, but the Crows are taking a cautious approach with the star winger after suffering a concussion prior to Christmas. Lachlan Murphy might be touch-and-go for Round 1 after off-season surgery on a bulging disc in his neck, so we’ve named top-six pick Josh Rachele — an uber-talented forward-midfielder blessed with goalkicking nous that has added significant size to his frame since arriving at West Lakes. They’ve added class on the outside in former Swans star Jordan Dawson, who Adelaide have said will play across wing and half back. We pushed him up onto the wing given the club’s plethora of defensive options, with Wayne Milera and Luke Brown returning from long-term injuries. Although Milera was set to get more midfield time himself before getting struck down with injury in 2021. Matt Crouch returns to give the midfield more grunt and round it out. There remains several other youngsters who’ll be pushing for senior selection including Billy Frampton, Sam Berry, Luke Pedlar, Fischer McAsey and Elliott Himmelberg.
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Marcus Adams, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich
HB: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich
C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson
HF: Cam Rayner, Dan McStay, Zac Bailey
F: Lincoln McCarthy, Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron
FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Jarryd Lyons, Lachie Neale
I/C: Jarrod Berry, Deven Robertson, Keidean Coleman, Darcy Fort
In: Darcy Fort, Darcy Wilmot, Kai Lohmann, James Tunstill
Out: Grant Birchall, Archie Smith, Connor Ballenden, Tom Joyce, Brock Smith
WE SAY: The Lions enter the 2022 season with a similar side to the one that went down the Western Bulldogs by one point in the semi-final. They’ll be boosted by the return of Cam Rayner from an ACL injury and he’s slated for more midfield time, while ruck-forward recruit Darcy Fort fills a chasm. Eric Hipwood is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL injury. Noah Answerth could also return from a groin injury that plagued him last year, with Grant Birchall’sretirement opening up a spot in the backline. Answerth got the last bench spot over the likes of Rhys Mathieson and Callum Ah Chee to provide that defensive support. Also set to charge his way into the best 22 at some point this year is Darcy Wilmot, a mid-sized defender who the Lions took with their top pick and someone who could be a nice replacement for the now-retired Birchall.
CARLTON
B: Liam Stocker, Lewis Young, Nic Newman
HB: Adam Saad, Jacob Weitering, Zac Williams
C: Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow
HF: Jack Martin, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher
F: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Josh Honey
FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Sam Walsh, George Hewett
I/C: Mitch McGovern,Will Setterfield, Tom De Koning, Paddy Dow
In: George Hewett, Adam Cerra, Lewis Young, Jesse Motlop, Domanic Akuei
Out: Eddie Betts, Levi Casboult, Marc Murphy, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Michael Gibbons, Sam Ramsay, Liam Jones
WE SAY: One of the hardest teams to pick a best 22 for, there’s a whole host of names we could’ve fit into the side. Mitch McGovern is set to play more in the backline with Lewis Young, given the premature retirement of Liam Jones, plus the fact Caleb Marchbank continues to suffer injury setbacks. Fingers crossed for Sam Docherty’s recovery from testicular cancer, but we’ve left him out of the side while he continues to work his way back. Elsewhere, David Cuningham could easily occupy a wing and push Cerra onto the ball, with he and Hewett proving solid midfield depth the club has lacked in recent years. It’s fair to ask how exactly Hewett and Cerra will both get starting midfield spots, since the wing isn’t exactly where you want the latter. Meanwhile, the likes of Lochie O’Brien, Matt Kennedy, Will Setterfield and Jack Newnes will be pressing their claims. Michael Voss has an abundance of options, and that’s a great problem to have. From a draft standpoint, Jesse Motlop has a stack of promise but is likely to get a run at stages throughout the season rather than slot straight in for Round 1.
COLLINGWOOD
B: Jeremy Howe, Jordan Roughead, Brayden Maynard
HB: Jack Crisp, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor
C: Josh Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Patrick Lipinski
HF: Oliver Henry, Brody Mihocek, Steele Sidebottom
F: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Cameron, Will Hoskin-Elliott
FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams
I/C: Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery, Trent Bianco, John Noble
In: Nathan Kreuger, Patrick Lipinski, Nick Daicos, Arlo Draper, Cooper Murley, Harvey Harrison, Charlie Dean
Out: Levi Greenwood, Chris Mayne, Anton Tohill, Max Lynch, Jay Rantall, Brayden Sier, Josh Thomas
WE SAY: The Magpies blooded a league-best nine debutants in 2021. As a result, Craig McRae’s team actually has solid depth going into next season, particularly when adding trade period recruits Patrick Lipinski and Nathan Kreuger into the mix. The Magpies’ best 18 or so is reasonably settled but beyond that there’s a mix of several more youngsters not listed who could also push into the selection frame including Trey Ruscoe, Finlay Macrae, Jack Ginnivan, Nathan Murphy, Tyler Brown, Caleb Poulter and Reef McInnes. Will Hoskin-Elliott could make way for a youngster. The Pies will surely look to start developing more key position players too which will open up opportunities for the likes of Kreuger and Will Kelly. Scott Pendlebury will likely transition out of the midfield. Let’s not forget Nick Daicos of course, who is a walk-up starter into this side the way Sam Walsh has been for Carlton and Bailey Smith has been for the Western Bulldogs. Jordan De Goey has returned to club training and looks set to play in Round 1 all things being equal.
ADELAIDE CROWS
B: Luke Brown, Jordon Butts, Andrew McPherson
HB: Brodie Smith, Tom Doedee, Wayne Milera
C: Jordan Dawson, Ben Keays, Paul Seedsman
HF: Harry Schoenberg, Riley Thilthorpe, Shane McAdam
F: Ned McHenry, Darcy Fogarty, Josh Rachele
FOLL: Reilly O’Brien, Rory Laird, Rory Sloane
I/C: Matt Crouch, Chayce Jones, Will Hamill, Lachlan Sholl
In: Jordan Dawson, Josh Rachele, Jake Soligo, Zac Taylor, Luke Nankervis
Out: Tom Lynch, David Mackay, Tyson Stengle, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly, Ronin O’Connor
WE SAY: Taylor Walker won’t be there as he’ll still be serving a club-imposed suspension. We’ve named Paul Seedsman, but the Crows are taking a cautious approach with the star winger after suffering a concussion prior to Christmas. Lachlan Murphy might be touch-and-go for Round 1 after off-season surgery on a bulging disc in his neck, so we’ve named top-six pick Josh Rachele — an uber-talented forward-midfielder blessed with goalkicking nous that has added significant size to his frame since arriving at West Lakes. They’ve added class on the outside in former Swans star Jordan Dawson, who Adelaide have said will play across wing and half back. We pushed him up onto the wing given the club’s plethora of defensive options, with Wayne Milera and Luke Brown returning from long-term injuries. Although Milera was set to get more midfield time himself before getting struck down with injury in 2021. Matt Crouch returns to give the midfield more grunt and round it out. There remains several other youngsters who’ll be pushing for senior selection including Billy Frampton, Sam Berry, Luke Pedlar, Fischer McAsey and Elliott Himmelberg.
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Marcus Adams, Darcy Gardiner, Brandon Starcevich
HB: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Daniel Rich
C: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson
HF: Cam Rayner, Dan McStay, Zac Bailey
F: Lincoln McCarthy, Joe Daniher, Charlie Cameron
FOLL: Oscar McInerney, Jarryd Lyons, Lachie Neale
I/C: Jarrod Berry, Deven Robertson, Keidean Coleman, Darcy Fort
In: Darcy Fort, Darcy Wilmot, Kai Lohmann, James Tunstill
Out: Grant Birchall, Archie Smith, Connor Ballenden, Tom Joyce, Brock Smith
WE SAY: The Lions enter the 2022 season with a similar side to the one that went down the Western Bulldogs by one point in the semi-final. They’ll be boosted by the return of Cam Rayner from an ACL injury and he’s slated for more midfield time, while ruck-forward recruit Darcy Fort fills a chasm. Eric Hipwood is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL injury. Noah Answerth could also return from a groin injury that plagued him last year, with Grant Birchall’sretirement opening up a spot in the backline. Answerth got the last bench spot over the likes of Rhys Mathieson and Callum Ah Chee to provide that defensive support. Also set to charge his way into the best 22 at some point this year is Darcy Wilmot, a mid-sized defender who the Lions took with their top pick and someone who could be a nice replacement for the now-retired Birchall.
CARLTON
B: Liam Stocker, Lewis Young, Nic Newman
HB: Adam Saad, Jacob Weitering, Zac Williams
C: Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow
HF: Jack Martin, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher
F: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Josh Honey
FOLL: Marc Pittonet, Sam Walsh, George Hewett
I/C: Mitch McGovern,Will Setterfield, Tom De Koning, Paddy Dow
In: George Hewett, Adam Cerra, Lewis Young, Jesse Motlop, Domanic Akuei
Out: Eddie Betts, Levi Casboult, Marc Murphy, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Michael Gibbons, Sam Ramsay, Liam Jones
WE SAY: One of the hardest teams to pick a best 22 for, there’s a whole host of names we could’ve fit into the side. Mitch McGovern is set to play more in the backline with Lewis Young, given the premature retirement of Liam Jones, plus the fact Caleb Marchbank continues to suffer injury setbacks. Fingers crossed for Sam Docherty’s recovery from testicular cancer, but we’ve left him out of the side while he continues to work his way back. Elsewhere, David Cuningham could easily occupy a wing and push Cerra onto the ball, with he and Hewett proving solid midfield depth the club has lacked in recent years. It’s fair to ask how exactly Hewett and Cerra will both get starting midfield spots, since the wing isn’t exactly where you want the latter. Meanwhile, the likes of Lochie O’Brien, Matt Kennedy, Will Setterfield and Jack Newnes will be pressing their claims. Michael Voss has an abundance of options, and that’s a great problem to have. From a draft standpoint, Jesse Motlop has a stack of promise but is likely to get a run at stages throughout the season rather than slot straight in for Round 1.
COLLINGWOOD
B: Jeremy Howe, Jordan Roughead, Brayden Maynard
HB: Jack Crisp, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor
C: Josh Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Patrick Lipinski
HF: Oliver Henry, Brody Mihocek, Steele Sidebottom
F: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Cameron, Will Hoskin-Elliott
FOLL: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams
I/C: Nick Daicos, Beau McCreery, Trent Bianco, John Noble
In: Nathan Kreuger, Patrick Lipinski, Nick Daicos, Arlo Draper, Cooper Murley, Harvey Harrison, Charlie Dean
Out: Levi Greenwood, Chris Mayne, Anton Tohill, Max Lynch, Jay Rantall, Brayden Sier, Josh Thomas
WE SAY: The Magpies blooded a league-best nine debutants in 2021. As a result, Craig McRae’s team actually has solid depth going into next season, particularly when adding trade period recruits Patrick Lipinski and Nathan Kreuger into the mix. The Magpies’ best 18 or so is reasonably settled but beyond that there’s a mix of several more youngsters not listed who could also push into the selection frame including Trey Ruscoe, Finlay Macrae, Jack Ginnivan, Nathan Murphy, Tyler Brown, Caleb Poulter and Reef McInnes. Will Hoskin-Elliott could make way for a youngster. The Pies will surely look to start developing more key position players too which will open up opportunities for the likes of Kreuger and Will Kelly. Scott Pendlebury will likely transition out of the midfield. Let’s not forget Nick Daicos of course, who is a walk-up starter into this side the way Sam Walsh has been for Carlton and Bailey Smith has been for the Western Bulldogs. Jordan De Goey has returned to club training and looks set to play in Round 1 all things being equal.
Last edited:
ESSENDON
B: Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Dyson Heppell
HB: Nick Hind, Jake Kelly, Mason Redman
C: Kyle Langford, Darcy Parish, Nik Cox
HF: Jake Stringer, Harrison Jones, Will Snelling
F: Alec Waterman, Peter Wright, Archie Perkins
FOLL: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath
I/C: Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel, Ben Hobbs, James Stewart
In: Jake Kelly, Ben Hobbs, Alastair Lord, Garrett McDonagh, Patrick Voss
Out: Ross McQuillan, Patrick Ambrose, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis, Irving Mosquito, Ned Cahill, Lachlan Johnson, Marty Gleeson, Dylan Clarke
WE SAY: After a surprise finals appearance in 2021, the challenge for the Bombers will be to harness the significant momentum they’ve generated and parlay that into next season and beyond. And if Michael Hurley is able to get out on the park at some stage, that would be a bonus after he suffered a horrendous ordeal this year courtesy of a nasty hip infection which sidelined him for the whole season. New inclusion Jake Kelly should slot straight into the back six; Matt Guelfi is the leading candidate for the sub role. Anthony McDoanld-Tipungwuti appears to be under an injury cloud with a calf complaint. Ben Hobbs looks a ready-made midfielder and a tantalising prospect for Bombers fans who are seeing a side full of such players.
FREMANTLE
B: Brennan Cox, Griffin Logue, Luke Ryan
HB: Hayden Young, Alex Pearce, Jordan Clark
C: Darcy Tucker, David Mundy, James Aish
HF: Sam Sturt, Matt Taberner, Nat Fyfe
F: Lachie Schultz, Rory Lobb, Michael Walters
FOLL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw
I/C: Liam Henry, Michael Frederick, Neil Erasmus, Will Brodie
In: Will Brodie, Jordan Clark, Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus, Matt Johnson, Eric Benning, Karl Worner
Out: Brett Bewley, Taylin Duman, Reece Conca, Stefan Giro, Stephen Hill, Tobe Watson, Leon Thomas, Adam Cerra
WE SAY: It almost feels strange seeing the Dockers with a full-strength backline after missing so much key personnel throughout the 2021 season. Plus with so many other key pieces returning including Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters, Fremantle will line-up considerably stronger than it did to finish last season, even after losing Adam Cerra. We’ve left Joel Hamling out for the moment due to his interrupted pre-season, but don’t be surprised to see him get a Round 1 gig. This Dockers team is really solid back to front and get a boost with Jordan Clark’s run and dash across half-back. Will Brodie also comes into the fold and while we don’t have him as a lock for best 22, he’s a handy midfield replacement for Cerra. We left out Travis Colyer, Nathan Wilson, Josh Treacy, Connor Blakely and Blake Acres, but you could make a case for all of them playing. Adding to the selection headache are the draft class of 2021, with Matt Johnson, Neil Erasmus and Jye Amiss all in with chances to play early in the season. Erasmus looms as the most likely Round 1 debutant. Johnson recently suffered a foot setback, but his speed and agility will make him a valuable commodity given the injection of pace Justin Longmuir is looking to add.
GEELONG CATS
B: Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij
HB: Tom Atkins, Tom Stewart, Jed Bews
C: Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, Isaac Smith
HF: Sam Menegola, Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan
F: Brad Close, Tom Hawkins, Tyson Stengle
FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood
I/C: Brandon Parfitt, Zach Tuohy, Esava Ratugolea, Mark O’Connor
In: Jonathon Ceglar, Tyson Stengle, Toby Conway, Mitch Knevitt, James Willis, Flynn Kroeger, Cooper Whyte, Ollie Dempsey
Out: Josh Jenkins, Ben Jarvis, Cam Taheny, Lachie Henderson, Stefan Okunbor, Nathan Kreuger, Oscar Brownless, Darcy Fort, Jordan Clark, Charlie Constable
WE SAY: The Cats lost some depth over the off-season but are still bursting with talent. They’ve finally landed an established tap ruckman in Jonathon Ceglar, who slots straight into the starting role. We’ve named Ceglar ahead of Rhys Stanley for the moment, but it looms as a 50-50 call for Geelong’s match committee. Stanley this week said he believed both he and Ceglar could coexist in the same 22. The Cats also picked up Tyson Stengle as a delisted free agent and the former Tiger and Crow could well be in their front six come Round 1, particularly with Gryan Miers in serious doubt after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle. Quinton Narkle returning on a one-year deal could suggest he’ll be given strong opportunities to play senior football. It will be interesting to see how Chris Scott manages his team’s midfield in 2022 and if guys like Narkle get more midfield opportunities over Joel Selwood, who’s in the twilight of his career. We’ve also named Sam Menegola and Jack Henry, despite their respective injury-interrupted pre-seasons. If they aren't right for Round 1, expect Narkle and Sam De Koning to come into contention.There are several additions via the draft, with James Willis the most likely to break into the side at some point with his dynamic stoppage game.
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Connor Budarick
HB: Oleg Markov, Charlie Ballard, Sean Lemmens
C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, David Swallow
HF: Izak Rankine, Sam Day, Jack Lukosius
F: Mabior Chol, Ben King, Alex Sexton
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell
I/C: Ben Ainsworth, Lachie Weller, Brayden Fiorini, Jeremy Sharp
In: Mabior Chol, Charlie Constable, Mac Andrew, Levi Casboult, Sandy Brock, Bodhi Uwland
Out: Hugh Greenwood, Aiden Fyfe, Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Hombsch, Jordan Murdoch, Zac Smith, Will Brodie
WE SAY: The return of Jarrod Witts will be a massive boost and makes the Suns significantly stronger after the club spent the majority of last season without a genuine ruckman. The Suns also added Mabior Chol as a free agent to provide extra support in the talls department. Of course, the side is o***et by the loss of Hugh Greenwood to North Melbourne, but it does open the door for Charlie Constable to prove his worth after arriving from Geelong, although we’ve named Brayden Fiorini and Jeremy Sharp ahead of him for now. Jack Bowes will miss several months with a shoulder injury in a big blow, but Connor Budarick is flying in his recovery from an ACL rupture and should slot into a back pocket. There’s so much upside on this team with young exciting talent on every line, particularly if Matt Rowell and Izak Rankine bounce back after down 2021 seasons, with the former’s cruelled by injuries. There’s a spot for Levi Casboult at some point if injuries or wayward form see him brought in as a replacement.
B: Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Dyson Heppell
HB: Nick Hind, Jake Kelly, Mason Redman
C: Kyle Langford, Darcy Parish, Nik Cox
HF: Jake Stringer, Harrison Jones, Will Snelling
F: Alec Waterman, Peter Wright, Archie Perkins
FOLL: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath
I/C: Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel, Ben Hobbs, James Stewart
In: Jake Kelly, Ben Hobbs, Alastair Lord, Garrett McDonagh, Patrick Voss
Out: Ross McQuillan, Patrick Ambrose, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis, Irving Mosquito, Ned Cahill, Lachlan Johnson, Marty Gleeson, Dylan Clarke
WE SAY: After a surprise finals appearance in 2021, the challenge for the Bombers will be to harness the significant momentum they’ve generated and parlay that into next season and beyond. And if Michael Hurley is able to get out on the park at some stage, that would be a bonus after he suffered a horrendous ordeal this year courtesy of a nasty hip infection which sidelined him for the whole season. New inclusion Jake Kelly should slot straight into the back six; Matt Guelfi is the leading candidate for the sub role. Anthony McDoanld-Tipungwuti appears to be under an injury cloud with a calf complaint. Ben Hobbs looks a ready-made midfielder and a tantalising prospect for Bombers fans who are seeing a side full of such players.
FREMANTLE
B: Brennan Cox, Griffin Logue, Luke Ryan
HB: Hayden Young, Alex Pearce, Jordan Clark
C: Darcy Tucker, David Mundy, James Aish
HF: Sam Sturt, Matt Taberner, Nat Fyfe
F: Lachie Schultz, Rory Lobb, Michael Walters
FOLL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw
I/C: Liam Henry, Michael Frederick, Neil Erasmus, Will Brodie
In: Will Brodie, Jordan Clark, Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus, Matt Johnson, Eric Benning, Karl Worner
Out: Brett Bewley, Taylin Duman, Reece Conca, Stefan Giro, Stephen Hill, Tobe Watson, Leon Thomas, Adam Cerra
WE SAY: It almost feels strange seeing the Dockers with a full-strength backline after missing so much key personnel throughout the 2021 season. Plus with so many other key pieces returning including Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters, Fremantle will line-up considerably stronger than it did to finish last season, even after losing Adam Cerra. We’ve left Joel Hamling out for the moment due to his interrupted pre-season, but don’t be surprised to see him get a Round 1 gig. This Dockers team is really solid back to front and get a boost with Jordan Clark’s run and dash across half-back. Will Brodie also comes into the fold and while we don’t have him as a lock for best 22, he’s a handy midfield replacement for Cerra. We left out Travis Colyer, Nathan Wilson, Josh Treacy, Connor Blakely and Blake Acres, but you could make a case for all of them playing. Adding to the selection headache are the draft class of 2021, with Matt Johnson, Neil Erasmus and Jye Amiss all in with chances to play early in the season. Erasmus looms as the most likely Round 1 debutant. Johnson recently suffered a foot setback, but his speed and agility will make him a valuable commodity given the injection of pace Justin Longmuir is looking to add.
GEELONG CATS
B: Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij
HB: Tom Atkins, Tom Stewart, Jed Bews
C: Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, Isaac Smith
HF: Sam Menegola, Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan
F: Brad Close, Tom Hawkins, Tyson Stengle
FOLL: Jonathon Ceglar, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood
I/C: Brandon Parfitt, Zach Tuohy, Esava Ratugolea, Mark O’Connor
In: Jonathon Ceglar, Tyson Stengle, Toby Conway, Mitch Knevitt, James Willis, Flynn Kroeger, Cooper Whyte, Ollie Dempsey
Out: Josh Jenkins, Ben Jarvis, Cam Taheny, Lachie Henderson, Stefan Okunbor, Nathan Kreuger, Oscar Brownless, Darcy Fort, Jordan Clark, Charlie Constable
WE SAY: The Cats lost some depth over the off-season but are still bursting with talent. They’ve finally landed an established tap ruckman in Jonathon Ceglar, who slots straight into the starting role. We’ve named Ceglar ahead of Rhys Stanley for the moment, but it looms as a 50-50 call for Geelong’s match committee. Stanley this week said he believed both he and Ceglar could coexist in the same 22. The Cats also picked up Tyson Stengle as a delisted free agent and the former Tiger and Crow could well be in their front six come Round 1, particularly with Gryan Miers in serious doubt after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle. Quinton Narkle returning on a one-year deal could suggest he’ll be given strong opportunities to play senior football. It will be interesting to see how Chris Scott manages his team’s midfield in 2022 and if guys like Narkle get more midfield opportunities over Joel Selwood, who’s in the twilight of his career. We’ve also named Sam Menegola and Jack Henry, despite their respective injury-interrupted pre-seasons. If they aren't right for Round 1, expect Narkle and Sam De Koning to come into contention.There are several additions via the draft, with James Willis the most likely to break into the side at some point with his dynamic stoppage game.
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Connor Budarick
HB: Oleg Markov, Charlie Ballard, Sean Lemmens
C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, David Swallow
HF: Izak Rankine, Sam Day, Jack Lukosius
F: Mabior Chol, Ben King, Alex Sexton
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell
I/C: Ben Ainsworth, Lachie Weller, Brayden Fiorini, Jeremy Sharp
In: Mabior Chol, Charlie Constable, Mac Andrew, Levi Casboult, Sandy Brock, Bodhi Uwland
Out: Hugh Greenwood, Aiden Fyfe, Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Hombsch, Jordan Murdoch, Zac Smith, Will Brodie
WE SAY: The return of Jarrod Witts will be a massive boost and makes the Suns significantly stronger after the club spent the majority of last season without a genuine ruckman. The Suns also added Mabior Chol as a free agent to provide extra support in the talls department. Of course, the side is o***et by the loss of Hugh Greenwood to North Melbourne, but it does open the door for Charlie Constable to prove his worth after arriving from Geelong, although we’ve named Brayden Fiorini and Jeremy Sharp ahead of him for now. Jack Bowes will miss several months with a shoulder injury in a big blow, but Connor Budarick is flying in his recovery from an ACL rupture and should slot into a back pocket. There’s so much upside on this team with young exciting talent on every line, particularly if Matt Rowell and Izak Rankine bounce back after down 2021 seasons, with the former’s cruelled by injuries. There’s a spot for Levi Casboult at some point if injuries or wayward form see him brought in as a replacement.
Last edited:
GWS GIANTS
B: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Phil Davis
HB: Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield
C: Harry Perryman, Josh Kelly, Lachie Ash
HF: Callan Ward, Harrison Himmelberg, Stephen Coniglio
F: Daniel Lloyd, Jesse Hogan, Bobby Hill
FOLL: Braydon Preuss, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto
I/C: Brent Daniels, Tom Green, Matt Flynn, Jarrod Brander
In: Finn Callaghan, Leek Aleer, Jarrod Brander, Josh Fahey, Cooper Hamilton
Out: Matt Buntine, Sam Reid, Nick Shipley, Tom Hutchesson, Jeremy Finlayson, Shane Mumford
WE SAY: While the Giants didn’t make any significant changes in the off-season, they still enter the 2022 campaign with a strong line-up. Toby Greene will miss the first five games of the season through suspension to open up opportunities in the forward line, with Brent Daniels likely slotting into that spot. Although coach Leon Cameron says he’ll experiment with various forward options in Greene’s absence. Matt Flynn and Braydon Preuss could compete for the starting ruck role in what looms as a healthy internal battle at the club, but we’ve named both players for now. The Giants’ line-up is otherwise reasonably settled, although Leon Cameron will likely again look to continue blooding games into its new wave of players like Tanner Bruhn and Xavier O’Halloran after it served the club so well last season. After bursting onto the scene in his rookie season, Jake Riccardi fell out of favour last year and will look to reassert himself in the senior side, but the arrival of Jarrod Brander makes locking down a spot all the more difficult. There are a couple of standout options for early berths at the Giants in the side’s two first-round draft picks: Finn Callaghan and Leek Aleer, although Callaghan has spent some time in the rehab group this summer.
HAWTHORN
B: Blake Hardwick, Kyle Hartigan, Sam Frost
HB: Jack Scrimshaw, James Sicily, Changkuoth Jiath
C: Will Day, Tom Mitchell, Tom Phillips
HF: Chad Wingard, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore
F: Jack Gunston, Jacob Koschitzke, Luke Breust
FOLL: Ben McEvoy, James Worpel, Jaeger O’Meara
I/C: Liam Shiels, Josh Ward, Jarman Impey, Lachie Bramble
In: Max Lynch, Fionn O’Hara, Josh Ward, Sam Butler, Connor Macdonald, Jai Serong, Ned Long
Out: Shaun Burgoyne, Jon Patton, Tom Scully, James Cousins, Damon Greaves, Michael Hartley, Keegan Brooksby, Harrison Pepper, Tim O’Brien, Jonathon Ceglar, Ollie Hanrahan
WE SAY: There’s plenty to be excited about if you’re a Hawks fan as the club ushers in a new era first-year coach Sam Mitchell. Max Lynch was the club’s sole addition from the trade period and will battle it out with Ned Reeves for the backup ruck role to Ben McEvoy following Jonathon Ceglar’s departure to Geelong. The Hawks’ back six is solid as a rock and clearly their strongest area of the ground, and as such, we’ve pushed Will Day up onto a wing. The club will look to blood as many games into Denver Grainger-Barras next year alongside the rest of the defensive unit, but Kyle Hartigan might be preferred to start with. The likes of Daniel Howe, Sam Frost and Connor Nash are probably unlucky to miss, but it shows the competition for spots developing. Of course, the club will also have three top 24 picks in next month’s draft including Pick 5 who will all be in the mix to play. There were some really impressive signs from Lachie Bramble in the back-half of the year, particularly in the backline as a rebounding defender, but the return of James Sicily and Jarman Impey from injury may make his spot harder to hold onto. Josh Ward is a top pick bursting with talent and, given the Hawks’ list demographic, could come in straight away, with Finn Maginness also a chance to get picked.
MELBOURNE
B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Harrison Petty
HB: Trent Rivers, Jake Lever, Christian Salem
C: Angus Brayshaw, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow
F: Charlie Spargo, Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch
FOLL: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
I/C: James Harmes, Luke Jackson, Kysaiah Pickett, Adam Tomlinson
In: Luke Dunstan, Jacob van Rooyen, Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin, Judd McVee, Andy Moinz-Wakefield
Out: Nathan Jones, Aaron vandenBerg, Jay Lockhart, Austin Bradtke, Aaron Nietschke, Kye Declase, Marty Hore, Neville Jetta
WE SAY: As you’d expect from a team coming off a flag win, the Demons are as settled as any side in the competition. But injuries combined with players competing for spots is always a factor. The only change we’ve made from the Grand Final side is Adam Tomlinson replacing Michael Hibberd in the backline, while Joel Smith will also be in the mix for that role. James Jordon, who was the unused medical sub in the grand Final, featured prominently in the senior team throughout the season and will continue to press his claim for a midfield gig. So too Luke Dunstan, who joins the club as a delisted free agent as he looks to crack into a star-studded premiership midfield. Sam Weideman re-signed with the club and will be keen to take over Ben Brown or Tom McDonald’s key position role up forward, while Jake Melksham will be as hungry as ever after missing out on the flag. The Dees could also blend youngsters such as Kade Chandler and Toby Bedford into the team as they did in 2021. Utility Jacob Van Rooyen is the club’s first-round selection but it’s hard to see him breaking into a side this stacked.
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Jack Ziebell, Ben McKay, Aidan Corr
HB: Aaron Hall, Josh Walker, Aiden Bonar
C: Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Luke McDonald
HF:Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas
F: Cam Zurhaar, Callum Coleman-Jones , Curtis Taylor
FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Hugh Greenwood, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Tom Powell, Kayne Turner, Will Phillips, Atu Bosenavulagi
In: Callum Coleman-Jones, Hugh Greenwood, Jason Horne-Francis, Josh Goater, Paul Curtis, Miller Bergman, Jackson Archer
Out: Taylor Garner, Connor Menadue, Dom Tyson, Will Walker, Robbie Tarrant, Shaun Atley, Tom Campbell, Trent Dumont, Charlie Ham
WE SAY: While last season’s wooden spooners aren’t expected to shoot up the ladder despite an impressive second half of 2021, they do have a promising young list developing. Callum Coleman-Jones was a great get from Richmond and looks to settle into a key forward/backup ruck role, let alone the shock poaching of Hugh Greenwood from the Gold Coast Suns. Greenwood’s arrival is even more important as fellow midfield bull Ben Cunnington has only just completed treatment for testicular cancer, hence the star veteran isn’t in this Round 1 line-up. We’ve put No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis into the 22 in what looms as a key addition for the Roos, but left out Jed Anderson due to the uncertainty around whether he’ll meet the AFL health and safety requirements by Round 1. It will otherwise be exciting to see how the likes of Ben McKay, Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell further grow their games together – the core who will lead this club forward. They lose Robbie Tarrant, but he missed most of last season anyway, while Aidan Corr returns from injury to hold down a defensive post alongside McKay.
B: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Phil Davis
HB: Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes, Lachie Whitfield
C: Harry Perryman, Josh Kelly, Lachie Ash
HF: Callan Ward, Harrison Himmelberg, Stephen Coniglio
F: Daniel Lloyd, Jesse Hogan, Bobby Hill
FOLL: Braydon Preuss, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto
I/C: Brent Daniels, Tom Green, Matt Flynn, Jarrod Brander
In: Finn Callaghan, Leek Aleer, Jarrod Brander, Josh Fahey, Cooper Hamilton
Out: Matt Buntine, Sam Reid, Nick Shipley, Tom Hutchesson, Jeremy Finlayson, Shane Mumford
WE SAY: While the Giants didn’t make any significant changes in the off-season, they still enter the 2022 campaign with a strong line-up. Toby Greene will miss the first five games of the season through suspension to open up opportunities in the forward line, with Brent Daniels likely slotting into that spot. Although coach Leon Cameron says he’ll experiment with various forward options in Greene’s absence. Matt Flynn and Braydon Preuss could compete for the starting ruck role in what looms as a healthy internal battle at the club, but we’ve named both players for now. The Giants’ line-up is otherwise reasonably settled, although Leon Cameron will likely again look to continue blooding games into its new wave of players like Tanner Bruhn and Xavier O’Halloran after it served the club so well last season. After bursting onto the scene in his rookie season, Jake Riccardi fell out of favour last year and will look to reassert himself in the senior side, but the arrival of Jarrod Brander makes locking down a spot all the more difficult. There are a couple of standout options for early berths at the Giants in the side’s two first-round draft picks: Finn Callaghan and Leek Aleer, although Callaghan has spent some time in the rehab group this summer.
HAWTHORN
B: Blake Hardwick, Kyle Hartigan, Sam Frost
HB: Jack Scrimshaw, James Sicily, Changkuoth Jiath
C: Will Day, Tom Mitchell, Tom Phillips
HF: Chad Wingard, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore
F: Jack Gunston, Jacob Koschitzke, Luke Breust
FOLL: Ben McEvoy, James Worpel, Jaeger O’Meara
I/C: Liam Shiels, Josh Ward, Jarman Impey, Lachie Bramble
In: Max Lynch, Fionn O’Hara, Josh Ward, Sam Butler, Connor Macdonald, Jai Serong, Ned Long
Out: Shaun Burgoyne, Jon Patton, Tom Scully, James Cousins, Damon Greaves, Michael Hartley, Keegan Brooksby, Harrison Pepper, Tim O’Brien, Jonathon Ceglar, Ollie Hanrahan
WE SAY: There’s plenty to be excited about if you’re a Hawks fan as the club ushers in a new era first-year coach Sam Mitchell. Max Lynch was the club’s sole addition from the trade period and will battle it out with Ned Reeves for the backup ruck role to Ben McEvoy following Jonathon Ceglar’s departure to Geelong. The Hawks’ back six is solid as a rock and clearly their strongest area of the ground, and as such, we’ve pushed Will Day up onto a wing. The club will look to blood as many games into Denver Grainger-Barras next year alongside the rest of the defensive unit, but Kyle Hartigan might be preferred to start with. The likes of Daniel Howe, Sam Frost and Connor Nash are probably unlucky to miss, but it shows the competition for spots developing. Of course, the club will also have three top 24 picks in next month’s draft including Pick 5 who will all be in the mix to play. There were some really impressive signs from Lachie Bramble in the back-half of the year, particularly in the backline as a rebounding defender, but the return of James Sicily and Jarman Impey from injury may make his spot harder to hold onto. Josh Ward is a top pick bursting with talent and, given the Hawks’ list demographic, could come in straight away, with Finn Maginness also a chance to get picked.
MELBOURNE
B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Harrison Petty
HB: Trent Rivers, Jake Lever, Christian Salem
C: Angus Brayshaw, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow
F: Charlie Spargo, Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch
FOLL: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
I/C: James Harmes, Luke Jackson, Kysaiah Pickett, Adam Tomlinson
In: Luke Dunstan, Jacob van Rooyen, Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin, Judd McVee, Andy Moinz-Wakefield
Out: Nathan Jones, Aaron vandenBerg, Jay Lockhart, Austin Bradtke, Aaron Nietschke, Kye Declase, Marty Hore, Neville Jetta
WE SAY: As you’d expect from a team coming off a flag win, the Demons are as settled as any side in the competition. But injuries combined with players competing for spots is always a factor. The only change we’ve made from the Grand Final side is Adam Tomlinson replacing Michael Hibberd in the backline, while Joel Smith will also be in the mix for that role. James Jordon, who was the unused medical sub in the grand Final, featured prominently in the senior team throughout the season and will continue to press his claim for a midfield gig. So too Luke Dunstan, who joins the club as a delisted free agent as he looks to crack into a star-studded premiership midfield. Sam Weideman re-signed with the club and will be keen to take over Ben Brown or Tom McDonald’s key position role up forward, while Jake Melksham will be as hungry as ever after missing out on the flag. The Dees could also blend youngsters such as Kade Chandler and Toby Bedford into the team as they did in 2021. Utility Jacob Van Rooyen is the club’s first-round selection but it’s hard to see him breaking into a side this stacked.
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Jack Ziebell, Ben McKay, Aidan Corr
HB: Aaron Hall, Josh Walker, Aiden Bonar
C: Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Luke McDonald
HF:Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas
F: Cam Zurhaar, Callum Coleman-Jones , Curtis Taylor
FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Hugh Greenwood, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Tom Powell, Kayne Turner, Will Phillips, Atu Bosenavulagi
In: Callum Coleman-Jones, Hugh Greenwood, Jason Horne-Francis, Josh Goater, Paul Curtis, Miller Bergman, Jackson Archer
Out: Taylor Garner, Connor Menadue, Dom Tyson, Will Walker, Robbie Tarrant, Shaun Atley, Tom Campbell, Trent Dumont, Charlie Ham
WE SAY: While last season’s wooden spooners aren’t expected to shoot up the ladder despite an impressive second half of 2021, they do have a promising young list developing. Callum Coleman-Jones was a great get from Richmond and looks to settle into a key forward/backup ruck role, let alone the shock poaching of Hugh Greenwood from the Gold Coast Suns. Greenwood’s arrival is even more important as fellow midfield bull Ben Cunnington has only just completed treatment for testicular cancer, hence the star veteran isn’t in this Round 1 line-up. We’ve put No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis into the 22 in what looms as a key addition for the Roos, but left out Jed Anderson due to the uncertainty around whether he’ll meet the AFL health and safety requirements by Round 1. It will otherwise be exciting to see how the likes of Ben McKay, Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell further grow their games together – the core who will lead this club forward. They lose Robbie Tarrant, but he missed most of last season anyway, while Aidan Corr returns from injury to hold down a defensive post alongside McKay.
Last edited:
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Ryan Burton, Trent McKenzie, Aliir Aliir
HB: Lachie Jones, Tom Jonas, Darcy Byrne-Jones
C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Dan Houston
HF: Karl Amon, Mitch Georgiades, Zak Butters
F: Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Connor Rozee
FOLL: Scott Lycett, Travis Boak, Willem Drew
I/C: Sam Powell-Pepper, Sam Hayes, Jackson Mead, Jeremy Finlayson
In: Jeremy Finlayson, Trent Dumont, Sam Skinner, Josh Sinn, Hugh Jackson, Dante Visentini, Jase Burgoyne
Out: Tom Rockliff, Hamish Hartlett, Joel Garner, Tyson Goldsack, Peter Ladhams, Jarrod Lienert, Boyd Woodcock
WE SAY: The Power have one of the deepest lists in the competition even after the departures of several senior players. Jeremy Finlayson was their sole addition over the trade period and should come into the side to play up forward and provide ruck support to Scott Lycett as Peter Ladhams did. Finlayson is keeping Todd Marshall out of the side, while Sam Hayes and Jackson Mead are strong chances to debut Round 1 after excellent pre-seasons. Charlie Dixon should be fit for Round 1, but there are doubts over Orazio Fantasia. The Power will likely look to give exciting trio Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters and Connor Rozee more midfield opportunities, which could come at the expense of Travis Boak’s time on the ball. We have Riley Bonner, Steven Motlop and Tom Clurey out of the side in what represents healthy depth for Ken Hinkley’s side. Of the draft crop, Jase Burgoyne looks likely to get a look in at some point, while Josh Sinn had an injury-interrupted 2021 season and will likely be focused on getting his body right before the club entertains a senior berth. Trent Dumont could also come into the side after his arrival via the rookie draft, but would be competing with young up-and-comer Miles Bergman, who we’ve left out for now as he’s had an injury-interrupted pre-season.
RICHMOND
B: Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Jayden Short, Noah Balta, Daniel Rioli
C: Liam Baker, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Kane Lambert
F: Shai Bolton, Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Jack Graham
I/C: Ivan Soldo, Nathan Broad, Sydney Stack, Josh Gibcus
In: Robbie Tarrant, Josh Gibcus, Tom Brown, Tyler Sonsie, Sam Banks, Judson Clarke
Out: David Astbury, Bachar Houli, Patrick Naish, Mabior Chol, Callum Coleman-Jones, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Ryan Garthwaite
WE SAY: A lot of the premiership core is still there, but we’re going to be seeing a slightly different line-up at Tigerland in 2022. Leading the pack clearly is Robbie Tarrant, with the former North Melbourne star making the move to the Tigers in a bid for flag success. He’s an obvious walk-up start in a defence now lacking David Astbury and Bachar Houli. The move of Dan Rioli to half-back was a successful one and will continue next year, while there was plenty to like from Sydney Stack in the back half of the year. A notable inclusion is Ivan Soldo, who has been training well since recovering from a knee injury. The loss of Callum Coleman-Jones and Mabior Chol isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t drastically affect the Tigers’ starting line-up next year. We could see Richmond’s top selection Josh Gibcus come onto the scene for Round 1 after roaring into top-10 pick calculations. He has the ability to play either forward or back and could sneak in, maybe at the expense of Rhyan Mansell and Riley Collier-Dawkins.
ST KILDA
B: Jimmy Webster, Dougal Howard, Tom Highmore
HB: Nick Coffield, Callum Wilkie, Jack Sinclair
C: Dan Hannebery, Brad Crouch, Bradley Hill
HF: Jack Higgins, Tim Membrey, Dan Butler
F: Rowan Marshall, Max King, Jade Gresham
FOLL: Paddy Ryder, Jack Steele, Zak Jones
I/C: Cooper Sharman, Hunter Clark, Jack Billings, Ben Paton
In: Tom Campbell, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitchito Owens, Marcus Windhager, Oscar Adams, Jack Peris, Josiah Kyle
Out: Jake Carlisle, James Frawley, Shaun McKernan, Dylan Roberton, Oscar Clavarino, Sam Alabakis, Luke Dunstan, Paul Hunter, Jack Lonie
WE SAY: It won’t be a noticeably different line-up for the Saints in 2022 because they brought in no one at the trade/free agency table. The main changes are to those who were already on the fringes of selection, with Jake Carlisle retiring along with James Frawley and Shaun McKernan, while Dylan Roberton wasn’t able to crack into the side even when fit and healthy. The Saints will be hoping Dan Hannebery can get a good run at it. The club is being cautious with the veteran but there’s hope he’ll be right for Round 1, so we’ve named him. A big talking point will be whether Seb Ross is there Round 1. Not only has he had a slightly interrupted pre-season, but there’s ample competition for spots at the Saints, so we’ve left him out. Jarryn Geary also misses out. Daniel McKenzie has shown some good signs in his time so far while Nick Coffield had a promising finish to 2021, but we’ve picked the returning Ben Paton after he missed 2021 with a broken leg. Top pick Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera might be a bit of a way off before a senior debut, but Mitch Owens could be an early chance after an impressive pre-season.
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Jake Lloyd
HB: Nick Blakey, Lewis Melican, Harry Cunningham
C: Oliver Florent, Josh Kennedy, Justin McInerney
HF: Sam Wicks, Logan McDonald, Errol Gulden
F: Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, Tom Papley
FOLL: Tom Hickey, Luke Parker, Callum Mills
I/C: Peter Ladhams, James Rowbottom, Braeden Campbell, Dylan Stephens
In: Peter Ladhams, Angus Sheldrick, Matthew Roberts, Corey Warner, Lachie Rankin, Paddy McCartin
Out: Jordan Dawson, George Hewett, Kaiden Brand, Sam Gray, Matthew Ling, Malachy Carruthers
WE SAY: Another club that defied pre-season expectations to make the finals, but a one-point loss to local rivals GWS in an elimination final will take some time to get over. Indeed, there’s probably no greater motivation needed than that for a team to go a step or two further. The loss of Jordan Dawson was a tough pill to swallow but with the likes of Ollie Florent, Errol Gulden, Justin McInerney, Braeden Campbell, Chad Warner and Dylan Stephens at their disposal, they still have plenty of promising talent coming through in the middle of the ground. We’ve picked Stephens, who’s played just 15 games but impressed this off-season, ahead of Will Hayward, who’s only just returned to full contact training. Peter Ladhams comes straight in and should partner with Tom Hickey in the ruck while playing as the second tall forward, with Isaac Heeney reportedly in line for more midfield time in 2022. Key forward Hayden McLean and defender Robbie Fox are handy depth players, but Sam Reid remains in limbo without a contract. It would be a bold move for John Longmire to throw Paddy McCartin straight in for Round 1. Of the club’s draft crop, Matt Roberts is the most likely for an early debut, but it’s a tough team to break into and will take some time.
B: Ryan Burton, Trent McKenzie, Aliir Aliir
HB: Lachie Jones, Tom Jonas, Darcy Byrne-Jones
C: Xavier Duursma, Ollie Wines, Dan Houston
HF: Karl Amon, Mitch Georgiades, Zak Butters
F: Robbie Gray, Charlie Dixon, Connor Rozee
FOLL: Scott Lycett, Travis Boak, Willem Drew
I/C: Sam Powell-Pepper, Sam Hayes, Jackson Mead, Jeremy Finlayson
In: Jeremy Finlayson, Trent Dumont, Sam Skinner, Josh Sinn, Hugh Jackson, Dante Visentini, Jase Burgoyne
Out: Tom Rockliff, Hamish Hartlett, Joel Garner, Tyson Goldsack, Peter Ladhams, Jarrod Lienert, Boyd Woodcock
WE SAY: The Power have one of the deepest lists in the competition even after the departures of several senior players. Jeremy Finlayson was their sole addition over the trade period and should come into the side to play up forward and provide ruck support to Scott Lycett as Peter Ladhams did. Finlayson is keeping Todd Marshall out of the side, while Sam Hayes and Jackson Mead are strong chances to debut Round 1 after excellent pre-seasons. Charlie Dixon should be fit for Round 1, but there are doubts over Orazio Fantasia. The Power will likely look to give exciting trio Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters and Connor Rozee more midfield opportunities, which could come at the expense of Travis Boak’s time on the ball. We have Riley Bonner, Steven Motlop and Tom Clurey out of the side in what represents healthy depth for Ken Hinkley’s side. Of the draft crop, Jase Burgoyne looks likely to get a look in at some point, while Josh Sinn had an injury-interrupted 2021 season and will likely be focused on getting his body right before the club entertains a senior berth. Trent Dumont could also come into the side after his arrival via the rookie draft, but would be competing with young up-and-comer Miles Bergman, who we’ve left out for now as he’s had an injury-interrupted pre-season.
RICHMOND
B: Dylan Grimes, Robbie Tarrant, Nick Vlastuin
HB: Jayden Short, Noah Balta, Daniel Rioli
C: Liam Baker, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Kane Lambert
F: Shai Bolton, Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, Jack Graham
I/C: Ivan Soldo, Nathan Broad, Sydney Stack, Josh Gibcus
In: Robbie Tarrant, Josh Gibcus, Tom Brown, Tyler Sonsie, Sam Banks, Judson Clarke
Out: David Astbury, Bachar Houli, Patrick Naish, Mabior Chol, Callum Coleman-Jones, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Ryan Garthwaite
WE SAY: A lot of the premiership core is still there, but we’re going to be seeing a slightly different line-up at Tigerland in 2022. Leading the pack clearly is Robbie Tarrant, with the former North Melbourne star making the move to the Tigers in a bid for flag success. He’s an obvious walk-up start in a defence now lacking David Astbury and Bachar Houli. The move of Dan Rioli to half-back was a successful one and will continue next year, while there was plenty to like from Sydney Stack in the back half of the year. A notable inclusion is Ivan Soldo, who has been training well since recovering from a knee injury. The loss of Callum Coleman-Jones and Mabior Chol isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t drastically affect the Tigers’ starting line-up next year. We could see Richmond’s top selection Josh Gibcus come onto the scene for Round 1 after roaring into top-10 pick calculations. He has the ability to play either forward or back and could sneak in, maybe at the expense of Rhyan Mansell and Riley Collier-Dawkins.
ST KILDA
B: Jimmy Webster, Dougal Howard, Tom Highmore
HB: Nick Coffield, Callum Wilkie, Jack Sinclair
C: Dan Hannebery, Brad Crouch, Bradley Hill
HF: Jack Higgins, Tim Membrey, Dan Butler
F: Rowan Marshall, Max King, Jade Gresham
FOLL: Paddy Ryder, Jack Steele, Zak Jones
I/C: Cooper Sharman, Hunter Clark, Jack Billings, Ben Paton
In: Tom Campbell, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitchito Owens, Marcus Windhager, Oscar Adams, Jack Peris, Josiah Kyle
Out: Jake Carlisle, James Frawley, Shaun McKernan, Dylan Roberton, Oscar Clavarino, Sam Alabakis, Luke Dunstan, Paul Hunter, Jack Lonie
WE SAY: It won’t be a noticeably different line-up for the Saints in 2022 because they brought in no one at the trade/free agency table. The main changes are to those who were already on the fringes of selection, with Jake Carlisle retiring along with James Frawley and Shaun McKernan, while Dylan Roberton wasn’t able to crack into the side even when fit and healthy. The Saints will be hoping Dan Hannebery can get a good run at it. The club is being cautious with the veteran but there’s hope he’ll be right for Round 1, so we’ve named him. A big talking point will be whether Seb Ross is there Round 1. Not only has he had a slightly interrupted pre-season, but there’s ample competition for spots at the Saints, so we’ve left him out. Jarryn Geary also misses out. Daniel McKenzie has shown some good signs in his time so far while Nick Coffield had a promising finish to 2021, but we’ve picked the returning Ben Paton after he missed 2021 with a broken leg. Top pick Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera might be a bit of a way off before a senior debut, but Mitch Owens could be an early chance after an impressive pre-season.
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Jake Lloyd
HB: Nick Blakey, Lewis Melican, Harry Cunningham
C: Oliver Florent, Josh Kennedy, Justin McInerney
HF: Sam Wicks, Logan McDonald, Errol Gulden
F: Isaac Heeney, Lance Franklin, Tom Papley
FOLL: Tom Hickey, Luke Parker, Callum Mills
I/C: Peter Ladhams, James Rowbottom, Braeden Campbell, Dylan Stephens
In: Peter Ladhams, Angus Sheldrick, Matthew Roberts, Corey Warner, Lachie Rankin, Paddy McCartin
Out: Jordan Dawson, George Hewett, Kaiden Brand, Sam Gray, Matthew Ling, Malachy Carruthers
WE SAY: Another club that defied pre-season expectations to make the finals, but a one-point loss to local rivals GWS in an elimination final will take some time to get over. Indeed, there’s probably no greater motivation needed than that for a team to go a step or two further. The loss of Jordan Dawson was a tough pill to swallow but with the likes of Ollie Florent, Errol Gulden, Justin McInerney, Braeden Campbell, Chad Warner and Dylan Stephens at their disposal, they still have plenty of promising talent coming through in the middle of the ground. We’ve picked Stephens, who’s played just 15 games but impressed this off-season, ahead of Will Hayward, who’s only just returned to full contact training. Peter Ladhams comes straight in and should partner with Tom Hickey in the ruck while playing as the second tall forward, with Isaac Heeney reportedly in line for more midfield time in 2022. Key forward Hayden McLean and defender Robbie Fox are handy depth players, but Sam Reid remains in limbo without a contract. It would be a bold move for John Longmire to throw Paddy McCartin straight in for Round 1. Of the club’s draft crop, Matt Roberts is the most likely for an early debut, but it’s a tough team to break into and will take some time.
Last edited:
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: Harry Edwards, Tom Barrass, Josh Rotham
HB: Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Cole
C:Greg Clark, Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed
HF: Luke Shuey, Oscar Allen, Willie Rioli
F: Liam Ryan, Josh Kennedy, Jamie Cripps
FOLL: Nic Naitanui, Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly
I/C: Jack Redden, Jackson Nelson, Jack Petruccelle, Bailey Williams
In: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Campbell Chesser, Brady Hough, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams, Greg Clark
Out: Nathan Vardy, Daniel Venables, Mark Hutchings, Brendon Ah Chee, Brayden Ainsworth, Ben Johnson, Will Collins, Jarrod Cameron, Jarrod Brander
WE SAY: With a bunch of ageing stars on the list, season 2022 feels like it’s the Eagles’ one last roll of the dice at a premiership with this current crop. Although they could be without star forward Jack Darling, who remains away from the club as he hasn’t received an COVID-19 vaccine jab yet. That could mean ruck-forward Bailey Williams gets a gig. Liam Duggan is another who is racing the clock for the season-opener due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgery, so Harry Edwards is one of several options who could come in, especially after Brad Sheppard’s retirement. If Luke Shuey can get a clear run at it, after soft tissue injuries ruined his 2021 campaign, that would be a huge bonus. Nic Naitanui continues to play a lone hand in the ruck, but he can’t keep doing that forever, so understudy Bailey Williams needs a big year, especially now that Nathan Vardy has retired. The return of Willie Rioli after two seasons out of the game due to a drugs code breach could provide a huge boost and the premiership forward might just prove to be the joker in the pack if he gets himself right. Jamaine Jones, Jake Waterman, Zac Langdon, Alex Witherden, Harry Edwards and Luke Edwards will all be thereabouts as well. He might’ve been a late pick-up, but Greg Clark has a lot of potential as a tall, big-bodied inside midfielder who adds a stack of tackling and contested ball-winning ability. Clark is a strong chance to debut in Round 1, while top pick Campbell Chesser is developing quicker than expected at the club.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale
C: Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar
HF: Mitch Hannan, Aaron Naughton, Laitham Vandermeer
F: Cody Weightman, Tim English, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
FOLL: Stefan Martin, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae
I/C: Lachie Hunter, Tim O’Brien, Josh Dunkley, Jason Johannisen
In: Tim O’Brien, Sam Darcy, Arthur Jones, Luke Cleary, Charlie Parker, Robbie McComb, Cody Raak
Out: Patrick Lipinski, Lewis Young, Lin Jong, Ben Cavarra, Will Hayes, Easton Wood
WE SAY: Not much changes from their grand final line-up with Josh Schache the only one making way as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan takes his place in the 22 with another pre-season under his belt. Stefan Martin wants to go around again and sounds like he’ll get another contract. They’ll have to make do without Josh Bruce and Toby McLean for most of next year, though, after both players suffered ACL injuries late in the 2021 season. They were up by 19 points halfway through the third quarter of the grand final, so they did a lot right this year and should be confident of being in the premiership mix again in 2022. Tim O’Brien is set to be deployed as a key defender and the departure of Easton Wood provides him with an opening. With the likes of Ryan Gardner, Hayden Crozier, Ed Richards, Rhylee West, Lachie McNeil, Jordon Sweet, Anthony Scott and Mitch Wallis on the list too, depth won’t be an issue for the runners-up; Luke Beveridge used an AFL-high 41 players in 2021. Highly-prized father-son pick Sam Darcy has a stress fracture in his foot, so there’s no chance the Dogs rush on getting him ready.
B: Harry Edwards, Tom Barrass, Josh Rotham
HB: Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Cole
C:Greg Clark, Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed
HF: Luke Shuey, Oscar Allen, Willie Rioli
F: Liam Ryan, Josh Kennedy, Jamie Cripps
FOLL: Nic Naitanui, Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly
I/C: Jack Redden, Jackson Nelson, Jack Petruccelle, Bailey Williams
In: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Campbell Chesser, Brady Hough, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams, Greg Clark
Out: Nathan Vardy, Daniel Venables, Mark Hutchings, Brendon Ah Chee, Brayden Ainsworth, Ben Johnson, Will Collins, Jarrod Cameron, Jarrod Brander
WE SAY: With a bunch of ageing stars on the list, season 2022 feels like it’s the Eagles’ one last roll of the dice at a premiership with this current crop. Although they could be without star forward Jack Darling, who remains away from the club as he hasn’t received an COVID-19 vaccine jab yet. That could mean ruck-forward Bailey Williams gets a gig. Liam Duggan is another who is racing the clock for the season-opener due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgery, so Harry Edwards is one of several options who could come in, especially after Brad Sheppard’s retirement. If Luke Shuey can get a clear run at it, after soft tissue injuries ruined his 2021 campaign, that would be a huge bonus. Nic Naitanui continues to play a lone hand in the ruck, but he can’t keep doing that forever, so understudy Bailey Williams needs a big year, especially now that Nathan Vardy has retired. The return of Willie Rioli after two seasons out of the game due to a drugs code breach could provide a huge boost and the premiership forward might just prove to be the joker in the pack if he gets himself right. Jamaine Jones, Jake Waterman, Zac Langdon, Alex Witherden, Harry Edwards and Luke Edwards will all be thereabouts as well. He might’ve been a late pick-up, but Greg Clark has a lot of potential as a tall, big-bodied inside midfielder who adds a stack of tackling and contested ball-winning ability. Clark is a strong chance to debut in Round 1, while top pick Campbell Chesser is developing quicker than expected at the club.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale
C: Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar
HF: Mitch Hannan, Aaron Naughton, Laitham Vandermeer
F: Cody Weightman, Tim English, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
FOLL: Stefan Martin, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae
I/C: Lachie Hunter, Tim O’Brien, Josh Dunkley, Jason Johannisen
In: Tim O’Brien, Sam Darcy, Arthur Jones, Luke Cleary, Charlie Parker, Robbie McComb, Cody Raak
Out: Patrick Lipinski, Lewis Young, Lin Jong, Ben Cavarra, Will Hayes, Easton Wood
WE SAY: Not much changes from their grand final line-up with Josh Schache the only one making way as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan takes his place in the 22 with another pre-season under his belt. Stefan Martin wants to go around again and sounds like he’ll get another contract. They’ll have to make do without Josh Bruce and Toby McLean for most of next year, though, after both players suffered ACL injuries late in the 2021 season. They were up by 19 points halfway through the third quarter of the grand final, so they did a lot right this year and should be confident of being in the premiership mix again in 2022. Tim O’Brien is set to be deployed as a key defender and the departure of Easton Wood provides him with an opening. With the likes of Ryan Gardner, Hayden Crozier, Ed Richards, Rhylee West, Lachie McNeil, Jordon Sweet, Anthony Scott and Mitch Wallis on the list too, depth won’t be an issue for the runners-up; Luke Beveridge used an AFL-high 41 players in 2021. Highly-prized father-son pick Sam Darcy has a stress fracture in his foot, so there’s no chance the Dogs rush on getting him ready.
Last edited:
@Herbie66
Looking at the Suns 22 that Fox Footy guessed :-
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Connor Budarick
HB: Oleg Markov, Charlie Ballard, Sean Lemmens
C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, David Swallow
HF: Izak Rankine, Sam Day, Jack Lukosius
F: Mabior Chol, Ben King, Alex Sexton
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell
I/C: Ben Ainsworth, Lachie Weller, Brayden Fiorini, Jeremy Sharp
I reckon Sexton is very vulnerable, dropped 3 times last year. Fiorini has been a fringe player for awhile also, hasn't cemented his spot - 9 games last year & just 5 the year before. Those 2 I can see Hollands jumping ahead of depending on his performances in preseason games - Hollands was a possible projected number 1 draft pick before he did his ACL, huge talent :-
https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/elijah-hollands/
Looking at the Suns 22 that Fox Footy guessed :-
GOLD COAST SUNS
B: Wil Powell, Sam Collins, Connor Budarick
HB: Oleg Markov, Charlie Ballard, Sean Lemmens
C: Brandon Ellis, Touk Miller, David Swallow
HF: Izak Rankine, Sam Day, Jack Lukosius
F: Mabior Chol, Ben King, Alex Sexton
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell
I/C: Ben Ainsworth, Lachie Weller, Brayden Fiorini, Jeremy Sharp
I reckon Sexton is very vulnerable, dropped 3 times last year. Fiorini has been a fringe player for awhile also, hasn't cemented his spot - 9 games last year & just 5 the year before. Those 2 I can see Hollands jumping ahead of depending on his performances in preseason games - Hollands was a possible projected number 1 draft pick before he did his ACL, huge talent :-
https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/elijah-hollands/
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscr...ynamic-warm-test-score&V21spcbehaviour=append
Is anyone able to post this article?
Thanks in advance
Is anyone able to post this article?
Thanks in advance
KFC SuperCoach 2022: All the pre-season news and whispers
Who’s training the house down, who’s injured and who is set for more midfield time? Get all the pre-season intel you need for
G’day community! We are Clarky and FozDaddy from the Jock Reynolds crew here to collate the spiciest KFC SuperCoach relevant whispers we’ve been hearing as the pre-season gathers pace.
Hopefully some of this information can help as we all form the rough outlines of our teams going into the AAMI Community Series in a few weeks.
James Sicily (Haw) $448,100 DEF
The intercepting defender was fit and ready to play from round 17, 2021, but Alistair Clarkson opted to put Sicily on ice for the year. With the Hawks loaded up on attacking defenders heading into the new season, it is unclear how Sicily will slot into the best 22, with talks popping up about a move into the forward line. But he was a standout in Hawthorn’s first match simulation, floating across the back half as an intercept defender. Sicily will be the side’s third tall and will peel off throughout the season.
James Sicily hasn’t played at senior level since Round 12, 2020. Picture: Daily Telegraph/ Gaye Gerard
Max Lynch $207,700 RUC
The Hawks’ latest recruit, former Magpie Lynch looked set to battle with Ned Reeves for the job of Ben McEvoy’s back-up in the ruck this season. But after another pre-season in the gym, there is a noticeable difference between the physiques of the two emerging ruckmen. Lynch also performed well as a forward option in the club’s match simulation. With McEvoy ageing, it is unlikely that will Sam Mitchell opt for a solo ruck and Lynch is leading the race for that coveted back-up role. Keep him in mind for a bench spot in your team if he’s named in Round 1.
Jack Bowes (GC) $450,900 DEF
The injury bug has struck the Suns, with the rebounding defender requiring shoulder surgery after trying to tackle Matt Rowell in a training drill. Bowes is expected to miss up to four months with his recovery. If you were planning on starting him, he’s an obvious miss now, but it does open the door for Jack Lukosius ($438,400) or Oleg Markov ($412,400) to command a more dominant role in the back half. My bet would be Lukosius benefits more greatly than Markov, but the pair should both take the majority of the kick-outs and their scoring should increase about 10-20 points a game in Bowes’ absence.
Matt Rowell is flying in his third AFL pre-season. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Matt Rowell (GC) $342,900 MID
FROM OUR PARTNERS
At last, a streaming service for news lovers Stream 25+ news channels with Flash
Rowell’s career has been plagued with injury concerns so far, but the former No.1 draft pick is starting at an attractive price for a player with his huge talent. The midfielder has shed some kilos and is looking extremely lean going into 2022. I had the privilege of watching some Gold Coast training sessions in December, and not only was Rowell a standout during drills, he also led the side in all the running the group did. Going into his third season, Rowell’s confidence in his body is hopefully back, and he should be primed for a traditional breakout year.
Jordan Dawson (Adel) $550,300 DEF
Dawson has been praised by Crows coach Matthew Nicks for his work over the pre-season. Get your bingo cards out and cross off “more midfield time” as Nicks also hinted that Dawson could be up for some onball rotations in 2022. Dawson dominated when he played as an inside midfielder for Sydney’s NEAFL team and at $550k the possibility of a similar role at the Crows definitely grants him some more upside as a selection, but he may be better suited as an upgrade target through the season if all things align.
Cam Rayner is returning from ACL surgery. Picture: Josh Woning
Part 2
Cam Rayner (Bris) $278,600 FWD
The 2021 season was supposed to all systems go for Rayner to finally show the talent we all know he has. Unfortunately, his season was over before it began after tearing his ACL. This year is already much brighter as Rayner has been ticking all the boxes and is primed for some midfield action. The talented 22-year-old is getting plenty of raps from his teammates about his strength and conditioning, with captain Dane Zorko revealing that Rayner has been playing through the midfield to increase his running capabilities and “he looks brilliant”. At this price, I’m very tempted to take the punt on Rayner if he remains fit.
Paddy McCartin (Syd)
After a two-year hiatus McCartin has found himself on the Swans list. By all reports he has put in the time and effort to get his body right after being delisted by the Saints due to ongoing concussion issues. His price and position haven’t been confirmed as yet, but expect to see him available for selection soon. McCartin may present as a cheap option if he remains fit. One to watch closely as he develops over the pre-season. St Kilda has also flagged a supplemental selection period recruit in SANFL tall Jack Hayes, who could help solve an early shortage of forward line rookies.
GWS forward alert
Giants coach Leon Cameron has said that he is willing to experiment with his forward line during Toby Greene’s absence in the first five rounds. This is a big red flag for some Giants players we may be considering, particularly Tim Taranto ($529,700 MID/FWD) and value option Stephen Coniglio ($261,300, MID/FWD) who appear set to be used more inside the forward 50 and less in lucrative midfield roles.
Stephen Coniglio is a potential KFC SuperCoach bargain. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Cats go under the knife
Geelong has revealed that Gryan Miers ($337,000 FWD) and Jonathon Ceglar ($491,700 RUC) have had surgery after separate injuries during training. Miers does not yet have a timeline for his return to the Cats line-up, however, Chris Scott is confident Ceglar will make a quick recovery.
Will Brodie (Frem) $224,300 MID/FWD
More Coverage
KFC SuperCoach: Solving the premium mid dilemmaRookie Bible: Which draftees are worth SuperCoach price?Experts reveal how to get the jump on SuperCoach rivals
News from The West Australian hyped up a match simulation performance from the former Gold Coast onballer. Brodie kicked two crucial goals during the match and seems to be pushing his case for an early season berth, providing some support for Andrew Brayshaw. Definitely one to keep an eye at this very attractive price point.
Are any of these players on your watch list? Who has caught your eyes this off-season? Don’t hesitate to get involved with the wonderful KFC SuperCoach community and share your thoughts. The news cycle never sleeps as training ramps up over the coming weeks so make sure you stay on top of the latest news for your squads.
Cam Rayner (Bris) $278,600 FWD
The 2021 season was supposed to all systems go for Rayner to finally show the talent we all know he has. Unfortunately, his season was over before it began after tearing his ACL. This year is already much brighter as Rayner has been ticking all the boxes and is primed for some midfield action. The talented 22-year-old is getting plenty of raps from his teammates about his strength and conditioning, with captain Dane Zorko revealing that Rayner has been playing through the midfield to increase his running capabilities and “he looks brilliant”. At this price, I’m very tempted to take the punt on Rayner if he remains fit.
Paddy McCartin (Syd)
After a two-year hiatus McCartin has found himself on the Swans list. By all reports he has put in the time and effort to get his body right after being delisted by the Saints due to ongoing concussion issues. His price and position haven’t been confirmed as yet, but expect to see him available for selection soon. McCartin may present as a cheap option if he remains fit. One to watch closely as he develops over the pre-season. St Kilda has also flagged a supplemental selection period recruit in SANFL tall Jack Hayes, who could help solve an early shortage of forward line rookies.
GWS forward alert
Giants coach Leon Cameron has said that he is willing to experiment with his forward line during Toby Greene’s absence in the first five rounds. This is a big red flag for some Giants players we may be considering, particularly Tim Taranto ($529,700 MID/FWD) and value option Stephen Coniglio ($261,300, MID/FWD) who appear set to be used more inside the forward 50 and less in lucrative midfield roles.
Stephen Coniglio is a potential KFC SuperCoach bargain. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
Cats go under the knife
Geelong has revealed that Gryan Miers ($337,000 FWD) and Jonathon Ceglar ($491,700 RUC) have had surgery after separate injuries during training. Miers does not yet have a timeline for his return to the Cats line-up, however, Chris Scott is confident Ceglar will make a quick recovery.
Will Brodie (Frem) $224,300 MID/FWD
More Coverage
KFC SuperCoach: Solving the premium mid dilemmaRookie Bible: Which draftees are worth SuperCoach price?Experts reveal how to get the jump on SuperCoach rivals
News from The West Australian hyped up a match simulation performance from the former Gold Coast onballer. Brodie kicked two crucial goals during the match and seems to be pushing his case for an early season berth, providing some support for Andrew Brayshaw. Definitely one to keep an eye at this very attractive price point.
Are any of these players on your watch list? Who has caught your eyes this off-season? Don’t hesitate to get involved with the wonderful KFC SuperCoach community and share your thoughts. The news cycle never sleeps as training ramps up over the coming weeks so make sure you stay on top of the latest news for your squads.