News Herald Sun SuperCoach Articles
- Thread starter Presto
- Start date
KFC SuperCoach 2022: The Phantom’s best mid-price options and value picks
In KFC SuperCoach, it’s either pay up for the game’s best ruckmen or go with a rookie, right? It might not be that simple. The Phantom reviews the mid-price rucks.
The Phantom
18 min read
February 9, 2022 - 10:41AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
01:20
KFC SuperCoach rule changes for 2022
Al Paton runs through new rules and game changes for KFC SuperCoach AFL in 2022
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Welcome to mid-price week of The Phantom’s KFC SuperCoach pre-season.
I know you are excited to be here – everybody loves a bargain.
And there are plenty of them around in 2022.
The key, as it is every year, however, is picking the right ones.
PREMIUM PICKS: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE TOP-PRICE STARS
KFC SuperCoach 2022: Mid-price rucks
Let’s get straight to the point, if you’re not going with a set-and-forget premium combination in the ruck, you’re probably going with the rookie-priced Braydon Preuss.
But there are a few contenders in the mid-price bracket ($250-$500k) who could make a significant jump in 2022.
You just have to ask yourself, will it be big enough to challenge the big few?
Let’s see.
Tim English aside, you will find him here.
Peter Ladhams (Syd) $415,100, Fwd
2021 Ave: 76.3
Pending fitness, Sydney coach John Longmire has forecast that Tom Hickey and Ladhams will often play in the same side in 2022. And with Hickey’s performance as the No. 1 man last year, and Ladhams’ ability to play as a forward, that should work for the Swans. But it’s Ladhams getting his chance as the lead ruckman that KFC SuperCoaches want to see. The 24-year-old averaged 76 points in 15 games for the Power last year but he posted scores of 67, 95, 130 and 93 in the four games in play without Scott Lycett. It was a similar story when Port Adelaide’s No. 1 ruckman, Lycett, went was hit with injury in 2022. If you include Lycett’s return game, when he played 69 per cent game-time against the Tigers, Ladhams recorded scores of 80, 106, 45, 123 and 138. He scored 89 alongside Lycett a week later, but was then dropped.
Phantom’s verdict: When he gets his chance, Ladhams could develop into a premium KFC SuperCoach rukcman. It will come sooner in Sydney, but how soon? The forward status keeps him on the watchlist for now.
Sam Draper (Ess) $396,400
2021 Ave: 72.8
After averaging 131 points in the VFL in 2019, Draper finally got his chance at the top level last season. He just battled injury last year. The 23-year-old missed three months after suffering a syndesmosis injury in Round 2, but he returned with a bang, tallying 15 disposals, nine hitouts-to-advantage, nine clearances, six intercept marks and 126 points against the Hawks. He posted two other KFC SuperCoach tons in the run home, but also six scores of less than 70. Is this the year Draper, who scored 122 in just his fourth career-game in 2020 after averaging 131 at VFL the previous year, produces big score consistently?
Phantom’s verdict: If he does, then he could be the one to challenge the big few. But I’m tipping maybe it’s more the year after.
Luke Jackson (Melb) $389,800, Fwd
2021 Ave: 71.6
The No.3 pick from the 2019 draft outscored Max Gawn in the grand final, after he finished with 113 points, on the back of 13 disposals, nine score involvements and six hitouts-to-advantage. Gawn, who scored 95 points of his own, attended 48 ruck contests and Jackson 37. It was a similar story against the Suns in Round 20, with the young star (141) eclipsing his skipper (138) again. On that day, the pair booted six goals between them, with Jackson kicking four. All up, it was five KFC SuperCoach tons in the minor round for the 20-year-old, who added 14 points to his average.
Phantom’s verdict: Heading into his third season, there is little doubt Jackson takes another step forward, as he continues to work with Gawn to devastating effect on opposition sides. But the fact is Gawn is still there. Like Ladhams, the dual-position status keeps him in the KFC SuperCoach conversation, but is it enough?
Jarrod Witts (GC) $380,300
2021 Ave: 87.3
After missing all-but three rounds of 2021 with an ACL injury, Witts is priced at an average of 70. He scored more than that (72) in a half of footy before hurting his knee against the Crows in Round 3 last year. In the previous four seasons, in which Witts missed just four games – all of them in 2017 – he averaged 93, 100, 89 and 94. But it won’t even be 12 months since the injury by the time Round 1 rolls around and the Suns have also recruited Mabior Chol from the Tigers.
Phantom’s verdict: In a perfect world, Witts averages 95 from the get-go – which he could easily when fit – and makes quick cash, getting you up to a premium ruck who has lost a bit of value. But a lot has to happen for it to work out that way. Monitor his progress as the games near, though.
In KFC SuperCoach, it’s either pay up for the game’s best ruckmen or go with a rookie, right? It might not be that simple. The Phantom reviews the mid-price rucks.
The Phantom
18 min read
February 9, 2022 - 10:41AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
01:20
KFC SuperCoach rule changes for 2022
Al Paton runs through new rules and game changes for KFC SuperCoach AFL in 2022
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Welcome to mid-price week of The Phantom’s KFC SuperCoach pre-season.
I know you are excited to be here – everybody loves a bargain.
And there are plenty of them around in 2022.
The key, as it is every year, however, is picking the right ones.
PREMIUM PICKS: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE TOP-PRICE STARS
KFC SuperCoach 2022: Mid-price rucks
Let’s get straight to the point, if you’re not going with a set-and-forget premium combination in the ruck, you’re probably going with the rookie-priced Braydon Preuss.
But there are a few contenders in the mid-price bracket ($250-$500k) who could make a significant jump in 2022.
You just have to ask yourself, will it be big enough to challenge the big few?
Let’s see.
Tim English aside, you will find him here.
Peter Ladhams (Syd) $415,100, Fwd
2021 Ave: 76.3
Pending fitness, Sydney coach John Longmire has forecast that Tom Hickey and Ladhams will often play in the same side in 2022. And with Hickey’s performance as the No. 1 man last year, and Ladhams’ ability to play as a forward, that should work for the Swans. But it’s Ladhams getting his chance as the lead ruckman that KFC SuperCoaches want to see. The 24-year-old averaged 76 points in 15 games for the Power last year but he posted scores of 67, 95, 130 and 93 in the four games in play without Scott Lycett. It was a similar story when Port Adelaide’s No. 1 ruckman, Lycett, went was hit with injury in 2022. If you include Lycett’s return game, when he played 69 per cent game-time against the Tigers, Ladhams recorded scores of 80, 106, 45, 123 and 138. He scored 89 alongside Lycett a week later, but was then dropped.
Phantom’s verdict: When he gets his chance, Ladhams could develop into a premium KFC SuperCoach rukcman. It will come sooner in Sydney, but how soon? The forward status keeps him on the watchlist for now.
Sam Draper (Ess) $396,400
2021 Ave: 72.8
After averaging 131 points in the VFL in 2019, Draper finally got his chance at the top level last season. He just battled injury last year. The 23-year-old missed three months after suffering a syndesmosis injury in Round 2, but he returned with a bang, tallying 15 disposals, nine hitouts-to-advantage, nine clearances, six intercept marks and 126 points against the Hawks. He posted two other KFC SuperCoach tons in the run home, but also six scores of less than 70. Is this the year Draper, who scored 122 in just his fourth career-game in 2020 after averaging 131 at VFL the previous year, produces big score consistently?
Phantom’s verdict: If he does, then he could be the one to challenge the big few. But I’m tipping maybe it’s more the year after.
Luke Jackson (Melb) $389,800, Fwd
2021 Ave: 71.6
The No.3 pick from the 2019 draft outscored Max Gawn in the grand final, after he finished with 113 points, on the back of 13 disposals, nine score involvements and six hitouts-to-advantage. Gawn, who scored 95 points of his own, attended 48 ruck contests and Jackson 37. It was a similar story against the Suns in Round 20, with the young star (141) eclipsing his skipper (138) again. On that day, the pair booted six goals between them, with Jackson kicking four. All up, it was five KFC SuperCoach tons in the minor round for the 20-year-old, who added 14 points to his average.
Phantom’s verdict: Heading into his third season, there is little doubt Jackson takes another step forward, as he continues to work with Gawn to devastating effect on opposition sides. But the fact is Gawn is still there. Like Ladhams, the dual-position status keeps him in the KFC SuperCoach conversation, but is it enough?
Jarrod Witts (GC) $380,300
2021 Ave: 87.3
After missing all-but three rounds of 2021 with an ACL injury, Witts is priced at an average of 70. He scored more than that (72) in a half of footy before hurting his knee against the Crows in Round 3 last year. In the previous four seasons, in which Witts missed just four games – all of them in 2017 – he averaged 93, 100, 89 and 94. But it won’t even be 12 months since the injury by the time Round 1 rolls around and the Suns have also recruited Mabior Chol from the Tigers.
Phantom’s verdict: In a perfect world, Witts averages 95 from the get-go – which he could easily when fit – and makes quick cash, getting you up to a premium ruck who has lost a bit of value. But a lot has to happen for it to work out that way. Monitor his progress as the games near, though.
Doctor’s Orders: Experts from Doctor SuperCoach explain how to use extra KFC SuperCoach trades strategically
KFC SuperCoach players have 35 trades to play with in 2022. Should you go out all guns blazing or play it safe? The experts at Doctor SuperCoach have the best advice.
For the first time in a good long while, we have some official changes to KFC SuperCoach!
For those that missed the big news regarding trades, it has been confirmed that coaches will now have 35 trades for season 2022 – but with a twist.
Coaches can activate a “trade boost” up to five times during the season to allow them an extra trade for that round.
This means that for a standard round, it will be possible to “boost” up to three trades for that week, and during the bye rounds, a “boost” will net you four trades for that round.
This opens a whole new world of KFC SuperCoach strategy and the team from Doctor SuperCoach is very happy to outline the best ways to maximise use of these “trade boosts” in this week’s Doctor’s Orders.
THE HOT START
In this Covid climate, nothing is a guarantee. Unfortunately, this includes the AFL fixture for the 2022 season. However, in a perfect world with no changes, we have considered that the optimal timing and use of trades would look something like this.
End of Round 2 – BOOST!
This week will be key for coaches to use their first boost of the season. After Round 3, players will start to undergo price changes, meaning at the end of Round 2 is the last chance to hop on any rookies that you may have missed out on, or any mid-pricers that get off to a hot start.
It also allows coaches to fix any mistakes they may have made in their starting side, for example, choosing a player who was expected to have a certain role and during the season proper, failed to grab that opportunity.
Any time between Rounds 5-11 – BOOST x 2!
This period of the season is typically labelled “upgrade season”. And what better way to use extra boosts than to generate extra cash from a rookie by culling one and upgrading to an extra premium player the following week to be ahead of the pack by a premium player!
That could be 50 points a week ahead of the pack if used correctly, which will carry all the way through until everyone has finished upgrading their sides – a huge win!
There were also cases last season when it was important to maintain your upgrade cycle of “one downgrade, one upgrade” to consistently improve your side. However, this hurt coaches when there were multiple good rookies “on the bubble” in the same round, which meant coaches had to choose between a solid rookie option or upgrading that week. Using a boost will allow coaches to get the best of both worlds!
End of Round 12 and end of Round 13 – BOOST!
Those pesky byes have always been difficult to navigate, with coaches often falling a little short in the “best 18” scoring situation. What I wouldn’t give for an extra trade during the byes … but wait, we can!
By tactically using a boost during these two bye rounds, you will make the byes much easier to navigate and hopefully get ahead of the pack who may struggle to put out 18 players for the round.
It is also fortunate timing that the second round of dual-position changes are scheduled to occur at the end of Round 12, so with extra boosts in play the next two weeks, coaches can take advantage of unique players that may have changed position and would be a strong addition to their SuperCoach sides.
PLAYING IT SAFE
As we all know, nothing ever really goes to plan. The best way to navigate things when you have no control over the situation is sometimes by just pressing a big red panic button. And for us SuperCoaches, that means using a trade boost when Covid rears its ugly head and causes some damage to our teams.
If you find yourself in a situation where you may be a few premiums down on the competition, a trade boost may be just what you need to stop the incoming fall in rankings.
In addition, sometimes players will be late outs and not allow us much time to get a solution in order. Sometimes we have already used our two trades for the round and then cop a late Sunday, late out! Bang – the panic button is here to save the day. Keeping a trade boost handy for a Sunday night late out may be the difference between winning and losing a league game.
RISK IT FOR THE BISCUIT
This is not a strategy I would recommend, but if a coach is willing to try their luck, using all five trade boosts within the first seven or so rounds could pay massive dividends.
The early extra trades could allow coaches to optimise their starting sides to such an extreme extent that the rest of the pack just simply cannot keep up. This would need everything to go right for the risk-taking coach however, it just takes one Covid-impacted game for everything to go south, very quickly.
HOW THE TRADE BOOST CAN INFLUENCE YOUR STARTING SIDES
An under-appreciated dynamic of the trade boosts is that they can allow for some extra flexibility in our starting sides. For example, typically taking a risky cut-priced second ruckman would be considered a very large risk (see Sam Naismith 2021) because the fallback option if that ruckman gets injured or dropped being major corrective surgery for your side.
With the extra trade available in that round, instead of being left in “no mans land” of having to find a ruckman priced between $250,000-$450,000, utilizing two downgrades and one upgrade may help coaches go all the way up to a top-end premium ruckman, reducing the downside risk of a cheaper R2.
Additionally, reaching the top-end premium midfielders has always been difficult in just a “one downgrade, one upgrade” trade situation. With some stored trade boosts, coaches can capitalise on downgrading twice in the same week to ensure they can snag a typically hard-to-get premium midfielder with their third trade. This might make some coaches feel more comfortable starting with four top-end premium midfielders instead of five.
The trade boosts certainly add an interesting dynamic to the game for season 2022 — using them tactically will be the difference between a good season and a great one!
KFC SuperCoach players have 35 trades to play with in 2022. Should you go out all guns blazing or play it safe? The experts at Doctor SuperCoach have the best advice.
For the first time in a good long while, we have some official changes to KFC SuperCoach!
For those that missed the big news regarding trades, it has been confirmed that coaches will now have 35 trades for season 2022 – but with a twist.
Coaches can activate a “trade boost” up to five times during the season to allow them an extra trade for that round.
This means that for a standard round, it will be possible to “boost” up to three trades for that week, and during the bye rounds, a “boost” will net you four trades for that round.
This opens a whole new world of KFC SuperCoach strategy and the team from Doctor SuperCoach is very happy to outline the best ways to maximise use of these “trade boosts” in this week’s Doctor’s Orders.
THE HOT START
In this Covid climate, nothing is a guarantee. Unfortunately, this includes the AFL fixture for the 2022 season. However, in a perfect world with no changes, we have considered that the optimal timing and use of trades would look something like this.
End of Round 2 – BOOST!
This week will be key for coaches to use their first boost of the season. After Round 3, players will start to undergo price changes, meaning at the end of Round 2 is the last chance to hop on any rookies that you may have missed out on, or any mid-pricers that get off to a hot start.
It also allows coaches to fix any mistakes they may have made in their starting side, for example, choosing a player who was expected to have a certain role and during the season proper, failed to grab that opportunity.
Any time between Rounds 5-11 – BOOST x 2!
This period of the season is typically labelled “upgrade season”. And what better way to use extra boosts than to generate extra cash from a rookie by culling one and upgrading to an extra premium player the following week to be ahead of the pack by a premium player!
That could be 50 points a week ahead of the pack if used correctly, which will carry all the way through until everyone has finished upgrading their sides – a huge win!
There were also cases last season when it was important to maintain your upgrade cycle of “one downgrade, one upgrade” to consistently improve your side. However, this hurt coaches when there were multiple good rookies “on the bubble” in the same round, which meant coaches had to choose between a solid rookie option or upgrading that week. Using a boost will allow coaches to get the best of both worlds!
End of Round 12 and end of Round 13 – BOOST!
Those pesky byes have always been difficult to navigate, with coaches often falling a little short in the “best 18” scoring situation. What I wouldn’t give for an extra trade during the byes … but wait, we can!
By tactically using a boost during these two bye rounds, you will make the byes much easier to navigate and hopefully get ahead of the pack who may struggle to put out 18 players for the round.
It is also fortunate timing that the second round of dual-position changes are scheduled to occur at the end of Round 12, so with extra boosts in play the next two weeks, coaches can take advantage of unique players that may have changed position and would be a strong addition to their SuperCoach sides.
PLAYING IT SAFE
As we all know, nothing ever really goes to plan. The best way to navigate things when you have no control over the situation is sometimes by just pressing a big red panic button. And for us SuperCoaches, that means using a trade boost when Covid rears its ugly head and causes some damage to our teams.
If you find yourself in a situation where you may be a few premiums down on the competition, a trade boost may be just what you need to stop the incoming fall in rankings.
In addition, sometimes players will be late outs and not allow us much time to get a solution in order. Sometimes we have already used our two trades for the round and then cop a late Sunday, late out! Bang – the panic button is here to save the day. Keeping a trade boost handy for a Sunday night late out may be the difference between winning and losing a league game.
RISK IT FOR THE BISCUIT
This is not a strategy I would recommend, but if a coach is willing to try their luck, using all five trade boosts within the first seven or so rounds could pay massive dividends.
The early extra trades could allow coaches to optimise their starting sides to such an extreme extent that the rest of the pack just simply cannot keep up. This would need everything to go right for the risk-taking coach however, it just takes one Covid-impacted game for everything to go south, very quickly.
HOW THE TRADE BOOST CAN INFLUENCE YOUR STARTING SIDES
An under-appreciated dynamic of the trade boosts is that they can allow for some extra flexibility in our starting sides. For example, typically taking a risky cut-priced second ruckman would be considered a very large risk (see Sam Naismith 2021) because the fallback option if that ruckman gets injured or dropped being major corrective surgery for your side.
With the extra trade available in that round, instead of being left in “no mans land” of having to find a ruckman priced between $250,000-$450,000, utilizing two downgrades and one upgrade may help coaches go all the way up to a top-end premium ruckman, reducing the downside risk of a cheaper R2.
Additionally, reaching the top-end premium midfielders has always been difficult in just a “one downgrade, one upgrade” trade situation. With some stored trade boosts, coaches can capitalise on downgrading twice in the same week to ensure they can snag a typically hard-to-get premium midfielder with their third trade. This might make some coaches feel more comfortable starting with four top-end premium midfielders instead of five.
The trade boosts certainly add an interesting dynamic to the game for season 2022 — using them tactically will be the difference between a good season and a great one!
Be nice if there was any word of if he backed it up this year in the entire article.
Strikes me as a really strong contract year candidate, the fact that he doesn't mention at all that he's taken that base and built further on it and that he's settled back into "hoping the team has success" mindset instead of wanting to star sends me a lot of wrong messages!
Hope I'm wrong given I have him in multiple keeper leagues
Strikes me as a really strong contract year candidate, the fact that he doesn't mention at all that he's taken that base and built further on it and that he's settled back into "hoping the team has success" mindset instead of wanting to star sends me a lot of wrong messages!
Hope I'm wrong given I have him in multiple keeper leagues
Can add Hobbs to the list of midfield rookie candidates then!
Merrett at HB is the fork for me starting him (probably need it as I can always talk myself into that mistake!)... No idea why you'd move your best midfielder out though, especially to a position that doesn't need help and is overloaded if anything!
Merrett at HB is the fork for me starting him (probably need it as I can always talk myself into that mistake!)... No idea why you'd move your best midfielder out though, especially to a position that doesn't need help and is overloaded if anything!
hi @wogitalia does that mean you are considering Merrett or not?
Haha I always consider Merrett, huge fan, but I don't like midfielders playing HB, just not enough consistent supply. Lloyd the best in the last few years and he capped out at 120. Especially someone like Merrett who wont be doing any intercept work.
What would be interesting is if he played there a lot as he'd be a bigtime DPP option.
Also think it's a really bad thing for Ridley if Merrett spends considerable time there, also would rather it not be McGrath. Hind and Ridley I think can find a balance where Ridley is a premium still quite comfortably, throw in McGrath and Merrett and Heppell will always swoop back for some cheapies and it gets very hot in the kitchen.
What would be interesting is if he played there a lot as he'd be a bigtime DPP option.
Also think it's a really bad thing for Ridley if Merrett spends considerable time there, also would rather it not be McGrath. Hind and Ridley I think can find a balance where Ridley is a premium still quite comfortably, throw in McGrath and Merrett and Heppell will always swoop back for some cheapies and it gets very hot in the kitchen.
I really like Houston but he seems to do this every damn season. Ankle here, shoulder there and just keep ruining what could be strong seasons. Other issue is he's just such a low quantity player, so much quality but he just never looks physically fit and the lack of ball kind of supports that.
Do think he has a 100+ season in him that year where he shows up in shape, stays fit and plays the right combination of roles but that's 3 major factors that can go wrong on him and he's not that cheap. Whitfield for example is 35k more expensive and only has the stay fit problem.
Do think he has a 100+ season in him that year where he shows up in shape, stays fit and plays the right combination of roles but that's 3 major factors that can go wrong on him and he's not that cheap. Whitfield for example is 35k more expensive and only has the stay fit problem.
- Joined
- 18 Mar 2014
- Messages
- 315
- Likes
- 504
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
Anyone got this 4hrs ago (not sure if a repeat post) as saw rookies earlier in this thread
Which cash cows should we be slotting into our KFC SuperCoach teams?
CHEAPIE BIBLE VIA CODE: bit.ly/34u7hD1
CHEAPIE BIBLE VIA THE HERALD SUN: bit.ly/34v9ij2
Which cash cows should we be slotting into our KFC SuperCoach teams?
CHEAPIE BIBLE VIA CODE: bit.ly/34u7hD1
CHEAPIE BIBLE VIA THE HERALD SUN: bit.ly/34v9ij2
KFC SuperCoach AFL 2022 Rookie Bible: All the cheapies you need to know
Which cheapies should we be slotting into our KFC SuperCoach teams? Two of our rookie experts have weighed in on more than 50 potential cash cows.
The Phantom and Dan Batten
28 min read
February 13, 2022 - 8:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
3 comments
01:20
KFC SuperCoach rule changes for 2022
Al Paton runs through new rules and game changes for KFC SuperCoach AFL in 2022
View more related videos
With official AFL practice matches around the corner, 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)
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Love news? Stream news live & on demand with Flash New customers try 14 days free
The Crows need class, skill and x-factor forward of centre, and Rachele fits the bill right away. Adelaide’s top pick in last year’s draft has already impressed on the track and if all goes well 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.
Dan Batten’s verdict: He will be a delight to watch and he should be exposed early, but it’s too much to pay for a small forward in a side coming off a bottom-four finish.
The Phantom’s verdict: He won’t need a lot of the ball to have an impact and the word from West Lakes gets more positive by the day. In my team.
Josh Rachele keeps pace with Taylor Walker at pre-season training. Picture: Michael Marschall
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.
DB: It’s feels like an eternity ago since he was a popular bubble boy after averaging 90 points from his first two matches, but his pre-season form is worth monitoring.
TP: A certain early-season cash cow, if he gets picked in Round 1. But that’s no certainty to happen.
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.
DB: A big KFC SuperCoach scorer at SANFL under-18 level, averaging 128 points, makes him one to watch this pre-season — especially with his forward eligibility.
TP: One who could surprise in 2022, but it might be later in the year.
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.
DB: Soligo posted 71 points in his VFL debut for Richmond, where he fitted in seamlessly. High on my rookie radar.
TP: Has featured in the Crows ‘A’ team during recent match sim so he’s one to watch during the official pre-season games.
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.
DB: Was closing in on a debut last year before injury struck. Another potential forward rookie option, but it remains a tough midfield to break into.
TP: All over him last year before injury, but it appears a few have gone past him. And then there’s Cam Rayner’s return.
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.
DB: Wilmot has already impressed Chris Fagan this pre-season, and his all-round attributes and the Lions’ defensive void will help his case for an early debut. Looms as one of the better rookie defensive options — if he breaks in.
TP: Hearing plenty of good things out of the Lions camp about Wilmot but he could still have a hard time finding an early spot.
Charlie Curnow is available at a rookie price in his sixth season. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Which cheapies should we be slotting into our KFC SuperCoach teams? Two of our rookie experts have weighed in on more than 50 potential cash cows.
The Phantom and Dan Batten
28 min read
February 13, 2022 - 8:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
3 comments
01:20
KFC SuperCoach rule changes for 2022
Al Paton runs through new rules and game changes for KFC SuperCoach AFL in 2022
View more related videos
With official AFL practice matches around the corner, 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)
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Love news? Stream news live & on demand with Flash New customers try 14 days free
The Crows need class, skill and x-factor forward of centre, and Rachele fits the bill right away. Adelaide’s top pick in last year’s draft has already impressed on the track and if all goes well 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.
Dan Batten’s verdict: He will be a delight to watch and he should be exposed early, but it’s too much to pay for a small forward in a side coming off a bottom-four finish.
The Phantom’s verdict: He won’t need a lot of the ball to have an impact and the word from West Lakes gets more positive by the day. In my team.
Josh Rachele keeps pace with Taylor Walker at pre-season training. Picture: Michael Marschall
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.
DB: It’s feels like an eternity ago since he was a popular bubble boy after averaging 90 points from his first two matches, but his pre-season form is worth monitoring.
TP: A certain early-season cash cow, if he gets picked in Round 1. But that’s no certainty to happen.
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.
DB: A big KFC SuperCoach scorer at SANFL under-18 level, averaging 128 points, makes him one to watch this pre-season — especially with his forward eligibility.
TP: One who could surprise in 2022, but it might be later in the year.
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.
DB: Soligo posted 71 points in his VFL debut for Richmond, where he fitted in seamlessly. High on my rookie radar.
TP: Has featured in the Crows ‘A’ team during recent match sim so he’s one to watch during the official pre-season games.
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.
DB: Was closing in on a debut last year before injury struck. Another potential forward rookie option, but it remains a tough midfield to break into.
TP: All over him last year before injury, but it appears a few have gone past him. And then there’s Cam Rayner’s return.
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.
DB: Wilmot has already impressed Chris Fagan this pre-season, and his all-round attributes and the Lions’ defensive void will help his case for an early debut. Looms as one of the better rookie defensive options — if he breaks in.
TP: Hearing plenty of good things out of the Lions camp about Wilmot but he could still have a hard time finding an early spot.
Charlie Curnow is available at a rookie price in his sixth season. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
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
DB: Curnow is a different kettle of fish to Joe Daniher last year. I am sceptical about whether an injury-prone key forward — who may be managed — can justify the high asking price.
TP: Expensive, but looks to be worth the elevated rookie price after an impressive summer if all goes well on the injury front.
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.
DB: Showed he can be a consistent goalkicker last year against men in the WAFL. Don’t expect big scores, but he could find a place in the Blues line-up after the retirement of Eddie Betts.
TP: An early bench spot candidate, depending on what other rookie forwards pop up.
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.
DB: May be a fair chance of featuring early doors, but his small forward role and average of 33 from his two matches last year suggests he probably won’t be worth the extra cash.
TP: I like what he did over in the SANFL before he was drafted but he’s probably too expensive for your bench, and not solid enough for an on-field spot in 2022.
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.
DB: I’ve got a big watch on Kemp as a D4-5 option, especially after his promising final game of 2021. However, the Blues do have plenty of halfback flankers, though.
TP: The defensive rookie stocks are looking pretty thin so Kemp remains firmly on the watchlist. Would need him to be given a license to run from half-back, though.
Nick Daicos is one of the top rookie prospects in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
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 describe Daicos as “an elite decision maker” who “sees things others don’t”.
DB: Daicos is a cut above the rest from last year’s draft crop, along with Horne-Francis. Shapes as a lock if he is slotting in at half-back, but I’m favouring JHF — for now.
TP: I’m liking the look of a four-rookie midfield with Daicos and Jason Horne-Francis. On fire at training, he’ll be worth the price.
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.
DB: Was one of those who had Macrae for most of last year, and while he was frustrating at times, there were signs of gradual improvement. At this stage other top-end priced midfield rookies are ahead.
TP: I’ll be watching him very closely in the pre-season matches. Could the second-year midfielder be worth that little bit extra than the draftees? Maybe.
Mature-age Collingwood recruit Charlie Dean. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Finlay Macrae is hoping to follow his brother Jack as a SuperCoach stud. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
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.
DB: Has the makings of a strong KFC SuperCoach scorer, but where will he play once he receives a debut? If a midfield role is slated, I’m all in.
TP: How many kids can the Pies rotate through the midfield? Not in my side yet but he does boast a KFC SuperCoach-friendly game style.
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.
DB: Needed something to go his way and Jordan Roughead’s shoulder surgery might just open the door for a Round 1 debut. An intercepting mature-age defender is just what we’re after in a rookie, so monitor his progress closely.
TP: The Jordan Roughead injury news may have just paved the way for a Dean debut in Round 1. Lock him in.
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
DB: Curnow is a different kettle of fish to Joe Daniher last year. I am sceptical about whether an injury-prone key forward — who may be managed — can justify the high asking price.
TP: Expensive, but looks to be worth the elevated rookie price after an impressive summer if all goes well on the injury front.
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.
DB: Showed he can be a consistent goalkicker last year against men in the WAFL. Don’t expect big scores, but he could find a place in the Blues line-up after the retirement of Eddie Betts.
TP: An early bench spot candidate, depending on what other rookie forwards pop up.
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.
DB: May be a fair chance of featuring early doors, but his small forward role and average of 33 from his two matches last year suggests he probably won’t be worth the extra cash.
TP: I like what he did over in the SANFL before he was drafted but he’s probably too expensive for your bench, and not solid enough for an on-field spot in 2022.
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.
DB: I’ve got a big watch on Kemp as a D4-5 option, especially after his promising final game of 2021. However, the Blues do have plenty of halfback flankers, though.
TP: The defensive rookie stocks are looking pretty thin so Kemp remains firmly on the watchlist. Would need him to be given a license to run from half-back, though.
Nick Daicos is one of the top rookie prospects in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
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 describe Daicos as “an elite decision maker” who “sees things others don’t”.
DB: Daicos is a cut above the rest from last year’s draft crop, along with Horne-Francis. Shapes as a lock if he is slotting in at half-back, but I’m favouring JHF — for now.
TP: I’m liking the look of a four-rookie midfield with Daicos and Jason Horne-Francis. On fire at training, he’ll be worth the price.
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.
DB: Was one of those who had Macrae for most of last year, and while he was frustrating at times, there were signs of gradual improvement. At this stage other top-end priced midfield rookies are ahead.
TP: I’ll be watching him very closely in the pre-season matches. Could the second-year midfielder be worth that little bit extra than the draftees? Maybe.
Mature-age Collingwood recruit Charlie Dean. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Finlay Macrae is hoping to follow his brother Jack as a SuperCoach stud. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
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.
DB: Has the makings of a strong KFC SuperCoach scorer, but where will he play once he receives a debut? If a midfield role is slated, I’m all in.
TP: How many kids can the Pies rotate through the midfield? Not in my side yet but he does boast a KFC SuperCoach-friendly game style.
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.
DB: Needed something to go his way and Jordan Roughead’s shoulder surgery might just open the door for a Round 1 debut. An intercepting mature-age defender is just what we’re after in a rookie, so monitor his progress closely.
TP: The Jordan Roughead injury news may have just paved the way for a Dean debut in Round 1. Lock him in.
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.
DB: Will be hard to go past the ‘superboot’ if he gets a call-up for Round 1.
TP: Pick him if Ben Rutten does.
Essendon draftees (from left) Garrett McDonagh, Ben Hobbs, Alastair Lord and Patrick Voss. Picture: Michael Klein
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.
DB: Key forwards rookies don’t have a great KFC SuperCoach track record, but he is a bigger body.
TP: An exciting talent, who is injury-free and impressing at Bombers training. It just all depends on when they unleash him.
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.
DB: A KFC SuperCoach star of the future and his elite contested ball-winning means he is a chance of playing a key role this year, even with Essendon’s on-ball brigade looking settled.
TP: Has impressed in match simulation through the midfield and looks set to feature in some capacity early. But with the Bombers’ on-ball depth, I’m not sure you can pick him ahead of a few other top draftees.
FREMANTLE
Neil Erasmus $166,800 MID
2021 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.
DB: A bit of Jack Steele about this youngster, who can take overhead marks and have an impact up forward. Looms as Nat Fyfe’s replacement in time, however, he may not be ready right away.
TP: Nat Fyfe pushing forward, Adam Cerra out – could there be room for Erasmus early this year? His form on the track looks to have put him in a good spot.
Will Brodie $224,300, FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 41 (5 games), 121 (VFL)
In four VFL seasons at the Suns, Brodie averaged 121, 127, 124 and 100. But he managed just 25 senior appearances at the club after being drafted in 2016. And that’s despite ranking first at the Suns for hardball-gets, second for tackles and handballs, third for disposals, fourth for clearances and fifth for contested possessions in the final six games of 2019. But new coach Justin Longmuir likes Brodie’s strength and he impressed in a mid-forward role during recent match sim. Hard to ignore if picked in Round 1.
DB: A better option than Curnow in my eyes if both are locked in for the opening round. Nonetheless, there remains a question mark around Brodie given he failed to have a significant impact over several years in a struggling Suns side.
TP: Hello, darkness, my old friend. If Brodie is named in Round 1, I’ll pick him.
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
DB: A potential top-10 pick, Johnson could be an attractive option later in the season, after some impressive numbers during the WAFL Reserves finals in 2021.
TP: Versatility is likely to help him, but looks to be one we might see later in the year.
.
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.
DB: Another defence eligible cheapie to keep tabs on during the pre-season. His contested ball-winning and DPP status are promising.
TP: Tough youngster whose contested-ball game should make him a solid KFC SuperCoach scorer as soon as he gets a chance. One to watch over the next month.
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 game 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.
DB: A 188cm inside midfielder at this price entering his third season has to be on the radar of KFC SuperCoaches.
TP: C’mon, Scotty, we want him for the bench.
Can Cooper Stephens break into the Cats’ best 22? Picture: Alison Wynd
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.
DB: Big fan of Knevitt during his draft year, and I will be tempted to throw him in my side if there’s even a mention of him this pre-season. In saying that, other young midfielders are probably ahead of him.
TP: Has plenty of KFC SuperCoach weapons but might take a little longer to come on.
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.
DB: Will be hard to go past the ‘superboot’ if he gets a call-up for Round 1.
TP: Pick him if Ben Rutten does.
Essendon draftees (from left) Garrett McDonagh, Ben Hobbs, Alastair Lord and Patrick Voss. Picture: Michael Klein
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.
DB: Key forwards rookies don’t have a great KFC SuperCoach track record, but he is a bigger body.
TP: An exciting talent, who is injury-free and impressing at Bombers training. It just all depends on when they unleash him.
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.
DB: A KFC SuperCoach star of the future and his elite contested ball-winning means he is a chance of playing a key role this year, even with Essendon’s on-ball brigade looking settled.
TP: Has impressed in match simulation through the midfield and looks set to feature in some capacity early. But with the Bombers’ on-ball depth, I’m not sure you can pick him ahead of a few other top draftees.
FREMANTLE
Neil Erasmus $166,800 MID
2021 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.
DB: A bit of Jack Steele about this youngster, who can take overhead marks and have an impact up forward. Looms as Nat Fyfe’s replacement in time, however, he may not be ready right away.
TP: Nat Fyfe pushing forward, Adam Cerra out – could there be room for Erasmus early this year? His form on the track looks to have put him in a good spot.
Will Brodie $224,300, FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 41 (5 games), 121 (VFL)
In four VFL seasons at the Suns, Brodie averaged 121, 127, 124 and 100. But he managed just 25 senior appearances at the club after being drafted in 2016. And that’s despite ranking first at the Suns for hardball-gets, second for tackles and handballs, third for disposals, fourth for clearances and fifth for contested possessions in the final six games of 2019. But new coach Justin Longmuir likes Brodie’s strength and he impressed in a mid-forward role during recent match sim. Hard to ignore if picked in Round 1.
DB: A better option than Curnow in my eyes if both are locked in for the opening round. Nonetheless, there remains a question mark around Brodie given he failed to have a significant impact over several years in a struggling Suns side.
TP: Hello, darkness, my old friend. If Brodie is named in Round 1, I’ll pick him.
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
DB: A potential top-10 pick, Johnson could be an attractive option later in the season, after some impressive numbers during the WAFL Reserves finals in 2021.
TP: Versatility is likely to help him, but looks to be one we might see later in the year.
.
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.
DB: Another defence eligible cheapie to keep tabs on during the pre-season. His contested ball-winning and DPP status are promising.
TP: Tough youngster whose contested-ball game should make him a solid KFC SuperCoach scorer as soon as he gets a chance. One to watch over the next month.
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 game 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.
DB: A 188cm inside midfielder at this price entering his third season has to be on the radar of KFC SuperCoaches.
TP: C’mon, Scotty, we want him for the bench.
Can Cooper Stephens break into the Cats’ best 22? Picture: Alison Wynd
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.
DB: Big fan of Knevitt during his draft year, and I will be tempted to throw him in my side if there’s even a mention of him this pre-season. In saying that, other young midfielders are probably ahead of him.
TP: Has plenty of KFC SuperCoach weapons but might take a little longer to come on.