AFL Draft 2021: Draftees to watch and KFC SuperCoach rookie locks in 2022
It’s never too early to start preparing. We reveal the KFC SuperCoach average of the top rookies — and who will make us stacks of cash in 2022.
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Whether it is hulking midfielders, running half-backs or crumbing small forwards, the AFL Draft class of 2021 has a host of players who can make an immediate impact next season.
Some of these talents have been filling up the stats sheet in under-19 competitions across the country, while others are hardened state-league stars who are ready to make the jump to the AFL.
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But fans may have to be patient with some Victorian prospects, like Western Bulldogs father-son Sam Darcy, a developing key-position marvel who played just a handful of games this year.
Here’s the draftees you are set to see in your club’s colours in the early stages of 2022, along with the rookies to watch out for in KFC SuperCoach.
**All KFC SuperCoach prices and positions are estimates
ADELAIDE
If all goes well during his first pre-season, Adelaide’s top pick Josh Rachele will immediately improve the Crows offensively. First-choice smalls Lachie Murphy and Ned McHenry put the opposition under pressure in the forward half, and make things happen when the ball is on the ground, but the Crows don’t have someone with the skill, flair or goal sense of Rachele. Look for him at the feet of – or delivering to – Riley Thilthorpe early in 2022. Jake Soligo and Zac Taylor are versatile, well-rounded players who have experienced senior footy, so they will push their case.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Zac Taylor ($117,300 MID)
NAB League average 2021: 126 (7 games)
It might not be right away but Taylor’s finish to the NAB League season, which saw him average 159 points in the final four matches, means he’s one consider if he can force his way in, especially given how he uses the ball going forward.
BRISBANE
Darcy Wilmot shapes as the most likely to debut next year for the Lions - despite being the youngest player in the draft class. The slight-bodied defender offers damaging run and ball-use from half-back – an area of need after Grant Birchall’s retirement – and is just as strong defensively. Western Australian 187cm midfielder James Tunstill has a ready-made frame, but will be up against it to break into Brisbane’s stacked midfield group.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy Darcy Wilmot ($140,000, DEF)
NAB League average 2021: 94.5 (six non-injury affected matches)
He was never a high disposal winner at NAB League level, but his impact per possession and metres gained make him a player to watch in the KFC SuperCoach stakes next year, considering the Lions could look for extra rebound out of defence.
CARLTON
Small forward Jesse Motlop has been playing against men for most of the year, booting a goal in all but one game for WAFL grand finalist South Fremantle. This highlights the fantastic forward craft of the 176cm goalsneak, the son of Port Adelaide and North Melbourne player Daniel, and it can translate to the AFL next year. The Blues are in need of a small forward after Eddie Betts’ departure, and don’t be surprised to see Motlop jump the likes of Corey Durdin, Josh Honey and Matt Owies in the queue next year.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Jesse Motlop ($123,900 FWD)
WAFL average 2021: 53 (8 matches)
Motlop is Carlton’s sole draftee, but he might come into KFC SuperCoach calculations if he gets an early debut at the Blues. His average of 53 at senior level is promising given it is one of the most difficult positions on the park for a youngster – and we’ll take a 50-plus average from a forward rookie.
COLLINGWOOD
Father-son prodigy Nick Daicos could have played senior footy for Collingwood last season – a view echoed by former Magpies coach Nathan Buckley and recruiting boss Derek Hine. Daicos is incredibly versatile, with the capacity to be used off half-back, through the midfield or as a small forward, and the attacking 50 looms as his likely starting point. Rookie draft gem Charlie Dean, the winner of the coveted Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the best young player in the VFL, duelled against AFL listed players for Williamstown, suggesting he can make the jump next year. The fact the Magpies are low on key defensive options helps his case.
Best SuperCoach buy: Charlie Dean ($102,400, DEF)
VFL average 2021: 85 (nine matches)
While coaches will flock to Daicos, Dean looms as the better buy overall, given his lower price-tag, mature-age body and a potential SuperCoach friendly role. Dean starred as an interceptor in the VFL, averaging 8.3 intercept possessions and 2.9 intercept marks, statistics that are highly rewarded in KFC SuperCoach.
ESSENDON
Draft steal Ben Hobbs is a plug-and-play option for the Bombers after dominating for Greater Western Victoria in the NAB League and at national level as an inside-midfielder. Disregarding his one injury-affected game, the prolific ball-winner averaged 30 disposals, 13 contested possessions and six tackles for the Rebels and was his side’s leading disposal winner in both matches for Vic Country. Essendon has a fairly settled midfield group as it stands but don’t rule out the possibility of Hobbs making an early debut. Garrett McDonagh, 25, was one of the shocks of the draft but list boss Adrian Dodoro told the Herald Sun this week that the long-kicking defender “is going to play.”
Best SuperCoach buy: Ben Hobbs ($150,000, MID)
NAB League average: 152.4 (five non-injury affected games)
The game of Hobbs is built for KFC SuperCoach, thriving in the engine room with his contested ball-winning and tackling. And his junior numbers are a sight to behold, averaging a whopping 127 points per game – and that’s including an injury-affected score of 26. Hobbs sliding down the order could prove to be a blessing for KFC SuperCoaches next year. McDonagh is one to watch as a discount defender with a penetrating and efficient kick, averaging 84 KFC SuperCoach points across nine VFL games – including back-to-back 125s to finish the season.
FREMANTLE
In terms of needs, the Dockers’ first three picks – Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus and Matt Johnson - are a chance to be exposed in their first season. But it’s Johnson, with his senior experience and class on the outside, who is the most likely to have an impact next year. The 192cm teenager makes great decisions in traffic, and, in time, is likely to be an on-ball star but he could feature on a wing or at half-forward, as he did at WAFL League level with Subiaco, early in his career.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Matt Johnson ($117,300 MID)
WAFL Colts average 2021: 119
As a junior, Johnson proved a terrific KFC SuperCoach scorer at multiple levels. He averaged 115 points across the past two years at WAFL Colts level, 108 for WA at the under-19 championships and 107 for Subiaco’s reserves.
GEELONG
Tall midfielder Mitch Knevitt has the endurance and versatility to play a number of roles if called upon, but it could be strongly-built South Australian James Willis who gets his chance first. Willis impressed at SANFL under-18 level as an explosive midfielder but with his defensive attributes, speed and ability to hit the scoreboard, Willis could have an impact as a pressure forward right away.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: James Willis ($117,300 MID)
SANFL Under-18 average 2021: 120 (12 games)
Willis averaged 29 disposals, 148 KFC SuperCoach points and booted seven goals for North between Rounds 9 and 13, before cracking the double-ton (204) in his final game. Even if he starts forward at the top level, he’ll be one to watch.
GOLD COAST
With Hugh Greenwood’s departure, former Cat Charlie Constable, who was taken by the Suns with pick 63 in the national draft, could finally receive consistent opportunity at AFL level. Academy player Bodhi Uwland, who was pre-listed by Gold Coast under the club’s draft concessions, is flying under the radar, but he’s a competitive beast who has mixed it with the bigger bodies and VFL and QAFL level.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Charlie Constable ($210,000 MID)
VFL average 2021: 120 (9 games)
The bid-bodied midfielder averaged 80 KFC SuperCoach points in his first seven games for the Cats in 2019. Since then, he’s been left to dominate at stage league level, with the 22-year-old averaging 33 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 120 points in the VFL this year. Is it finally his time?
GWS
All three of the players taken by the Giants in the national draft could feature in 2022. Expect to see No.3 pick Finn Callaghan running around on a wing for the Giants in Round 1 next year. The 191cm prospect will start his career on the outside, where his raking left-boot, speed and agility will spark the Giants midfield. Key defender Leek Aleer is raw but his intercept prowess – which he showcased at SANFL level this year for Central District – and extraordinary athleticism gives him the potential to make an impact in 2022. Meanwhile, Giants Academy graduate Josh Fahey looked up to the level in his three VFL games this year, highlighted by a 24-disposal display against Richmond. He has the frame and kicking ability to fulfill a role behind the ball for the Giants when required.
Best SuperCoach buy: Leek Aleer ($145,000, DEF)
SANFL SC average 2021: 67 (11 matches)
While he is incredibly talented, Callaghan might not justify his expensive SuperCoach price in an outside role, but Aleer could be anything once given an opportunity. Aleer posted three 85-plus totals in his last four SANFL matches and averaged 67 points from just nine disposals per game, thanks to his strong intercept marking game.
HAWTHORN
Top-10 draftee Josh Ward should be a staple in new coach Sam Mitchell’s side next year. Drawing comparisons to Zach Merrett, Ward is an ultra-consistent and well-rounded midfielder who is ready for senior footy. Midfielder Connor MacDonald was a prolific ball-winner in the NAB League, averaging 30 disposals and 14 contested possessions per game, while Sam Butler, the brother of St Kilda livewire Dan, has the athletic traits and forward pressure to get a run up forward in a rebuilding Hawthorn side. Don’t rule out rookie Ned Long, a 195cm goalkicking midfielder, featuring at the top level, either.
Best SuperCoach buy: Josh Ward ($180k, MID)
NAB League average 2021: 133 (five matches)
Ward looms as one of the first-picked SuperCoach rookies next year along with Jason Horne-Francis. Ward averaged a formidable 145 points from his last four matches and should be given plenty of senior opportunity. MacDonald is another to consider if he gets a call-up after averaging 148 points in his four matches for the Dandenong Stingrays.
MELBOURNE
It’s a hard side to break into but WA swingman Jacob van Rooyen, who the Demons want to develop as a forward, will be ready and waiting. The 18-year-old, who played senior footy for Claremont this year, is one of the most-physically-developed draftees and is strong in the air at either end of the ground. After starring in defence for WA, the 193cm van Rooyen booted 24 goals in his final six WAFL Colts games. If anything, Melbourne could use some more run through the middle of the ground, and that’s where the athletic Blake Howes could come in to the equation.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Jacob van Rooyen ($117,300 DEF/FWD)
WAFL Colts average 2021: 132 (9 games)
Young key-forwards aren’t always the best scorers in KFC SuperCoach but, if any Demons draftee should be on the radar, it’s the readymade van Rooyen. He finished with 221 points, on the back of 22 disposals, five contested marks and six goals in Round 18 of the WAFL Colts season. Then followed it up with 180 points a week later.
NORTH MELBOURNE
No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis could’ve played for North Melbourne last year, so expect the explosive South Australian to be there in Round, 1 rolling through the midfield and across half-forward. Horne-Francis had a significant impact in both roles in the SANFL in the past two seasons and his unrivalled mix of elite traits – speed, power, aerial marking, contested-ball winning and skill – will ensure he wastes little time in doing the same AFL level. Josh Goater is unlikely to be ready for the midfield, but he could get his chance in defence, while Paul Curtis would add another attacking layer to the side inside-50.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Jason Horne-Francis ($207,800 MID)
SANFL average 2021: 88 (20 games)
You just have to pick this kid, especially if he’s given vital dual-position status.
PORT ADELAIDE
Former Kangaroo Trent Dumont, who joined the Power via the rookie draft, is, clearly, the player ready to step straight in and help the club in the midfield. In terms of new faces, despite playing limited footy over the past two seasons, top pick Josh Sinn has the top-end speed and kicking skills to put real pressure on Port Adelaide’s best-22, when ready. Jase Burgoyne played some league footy in a stint with the Magpies this year, and looked comfortable, but given the club’s depth, the Power might just let him develop further in the SANFL.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Josh Sinn ($157,000 DEF)
NAB League average 2021: 90 (5 games)
Dumont presents value if he can push into the Power’s best 22 but Sinn is at least worth a spot on the KFC SuperCoach watchlist, given his damaging style of play. Hugh Jackson (pick 60) is one to keep an eye on for down the track, after he averaged 144 in the opening 10 games of the SANFL under-18 season.
RICHMOND
Richmond’s fantastic five may need to find their feet at VFL level before being in the mix for the senior side. The Tigers’ first selection Josh Gibcus could feature on talent alone, but he might be a similar case to Hawthorn intercept defender Denver Grainger-Barras, who did not debut until the back-half of his first season. Exciting small forward Judson Clarke can provide spark to the Tigers’ forward half at some stage next year, while classy draft slider Tyler Sonsie kicked two goals and tallied 24 disposals on VFL debut for Box Hill – but his last two seasons have been injury interrupted.
Best SuperCoach buy: Tyler Sonsie ($123k, MID)
NAB League average: 104 (five games)
If he can put it all together, Sonsie’s elite ball-use and scoreboard impact as a midfielder can make him a promising SuperCoach pick into the future – potentially even next year, judging by his stellar VFL debut. Clarke looms as a potential bench forward option with his high-impact per possession game.
ST KILDA
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, despite his slight frame, is the one who could have an early impact next year. The Saints need class on the outside, and he has it in spades. The well-balanced wingman, who can deliver with precision on either side of his body, proved he can match it with the bigger bodies, playing four SANFL League and 13 reserves matches for Glenelg last season. It’s been a rapid rise for Academy member Mitchito Owens, who is a 190cm attacking weapon after a late growth spurt. Could he surprise?
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ($163,200 MID)
SANFL reserves average 2021: 83 (13 games)
He doesn’t need a lot of the ball to hurt the opposition, or score well in KFC SuperCoach, so Wanganeen-Milera may be another first-round draftee to consider at an elevated price.
SYDNEY
As they did last year, Sydney’s draftees could be set to have a big impact in their first season. Corey Warner, the younger brother breakout star Chad, impressed at WAFL level this season, while Angus Sheldrick is built ready to step straight in. But it’s South Adelaide’s Matthew Roberts who sits atop the list. He dominated in the midfield at junior level over the past two years before playing a key role as a forward in South’s senior side this season, booting three goals in the club’s last two finals.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Matthew Roberts ($117,300 MID/FWD)
SANFL under-18 average 2021: 2021 (3 games)
Roberts sliding in the draft is a big win for KFC SuperCoaches. The ball-magnet will be priced at $117k in 2022 and his 10 under-18 matches in the past two years, the left-footer averaged 160 points.
WEST COAST
They welcomed him with their last pick on the night but mature-age midfielder Greg Clark is set to be the first Eagles draftee to debut in 2022. The Subiaco product tore the WAFL to shreds in a breakout campign, averaging 29 disposals, eight tackles, 5 clearances and kicking 10 goals across his 18 matches, leaving out his injury-affected game in Round 19. The Eagles were able to secure speester Campbell Chesser despite trading two picks down the order. The Sandringham Dragons product’s elite speed and booming kick should allow him to add to West Coast’s outside stocks next year.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Greg Clark ($102,400 MID)
WAFL average: 127.6 (18 non-injury affected games)
Remember the name - this guy could be the rookie bargain of 2022 in KFC SuperCoach. The 24-year-old averaged a whopping 121 points in the WAFL this year – staggeringly, this was including an injury affected score of 1. He finished the season with scores of 135, 140 and a 181-point WAFL grand final display where he won the Simpson Medal for best-on-ground.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
A pair of rookie draft additions loom as the most likely early debutants for the grand finalists. Mature-age defender Charlie Parker was plucked from the SANFL while 25-year-old midfielder Robbie McComb is the latest Bulldogs recruit from the Footscray VFL production line. Prized father-son prospect Sam Darcy is an incredibly versatile tall but may need time to develop his frame further – and we saw Luke Beveridge’s strong stance on top-pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan this year.
Best KFC SuperCoach buy: Robbie McComb ($102,400 MID)
VFL average 2021: 106 (10 games)
McComb enjoyed a breakout campaign for Footscray on his way to earning a spot on the Bulldogs’ list, averaging 25 disposals, five inside 50s, five tackles and 106 SuperCoach points. It’s a stacked midfield as it is, but the 180cm ball-winner is ready-to-go and his ability around goal – kicking three goals in his last two matches - and his pressure suggests he could be used as a forward.
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Originally published as AFL Draft 2021: Draftees to watch and KFC SuperCoach rookie locks in 2022
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