The Phantom’s SuperCoach pre-season: Rookie review
ROOKIE-PRICED players are the backbone of any good SuperCoach team. Here is rookie week of The Phantom’s pre-season all rolled into one mega SuperCoach cash cow guide.
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ROOKIE-PRICED players are the backbone of any good SuperCoach team. Here is rookie week of The Phantom’s pre-season all rolled into one mega SuperCoach cash cow guide.
DEFENDERS
THE TOP PICKS
Nick Coffield (StK) $171,300
Although he caught the eye of recruiters with his ability to intercept and set up the play from half-back, the versatile Coffield played a variety of positions throughout his junior career.
And, in his first pre-season at the Saints, the classy right-footer, who averaged 21 disposals — at 76 per cent efficiency — and 100 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup last season, has been working closely with the midfield group.
Last year’s No. 8 pick can match it with the big boys already, as we saw during the JLT Series, with Coffield ranking No. 1 at the club for disposals in the defensive 50.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Confirmed his status as a first-choice cash cow in defence with a great JLT Series campaign.
Aaron Naughton (WB) $166,800
At 195cm and 89kg, with senior football experience in the WAFL, the versatile key defender is ready to go.
After recording the most disposals and SuperCoach points out of all key defenders at the national under-18 championships, Naughton broke into Peel Thunder’s senior side as a 17-year-old in 2017.
And he wasn’t just making up the numbers.
In his seven games, the athletic Naughton averaged 14 disposals and seven marks — four of them intercepts.
The average intercept marks for key defenders in the AFL in 2017 was 1.7 and, in just his second senior appearance in the WAFL, Naughton tallied eight in a single game.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Even before the JLT Series, The Phantom thought he was ready - now it’s up to Luke Beveridge. If he’s there in Round 1, he’ll score.
IT’S TIME
Tom Doedee (Adel) $123,900
In 2018, his third year on the list, it’s time for the Crows to unleash Doedee.
With Jake Lever moving to Melbourne and Brodie Smith to miss most of the season through injury, there is an opportunity for Doedee to make his mark in Adelaide’s back half.
And, after averaging more intercept marks and possessions than any other defender in the SANFL last year, the 20-year-old is ready to fill the void.
The Phantom is not the only one to speak highly of Doedee, who finished runner-up behind Scott Thompson in the Crows’ SANFL club champion, either
On the first day of pre-season training, fellow defender Jake Kelly labelled Doedee “a special player’’.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Doedee has lived up to the hype so far, looking more than comfortable at the top level, even overshadowing some of his more experienced team-mates in the Crows’ opening JLT Series match. Lock him in.
Jeremy Finlayson (GWS) $123,900
After playing most of his junior football as a forward, Finlayson, who is now in his fourth year on the Giants’ list, has transitioned nicely into an intercepting defender in the NEAFL over the past few seasons.
Finlayson increased his disposal average from 14 to 20 in 2016 before averaging 28 disposals in his first six games of 2017.
The versatile 21-year-old averaged 127 SuperCoach points — the highest of all defenders in the competition — over this period, earning him an AFL debut in Round 15.
Unfortunately, Finlayson went down with a knee injury in the second quarter and played only three more NEAFL games for the year.
But now with rebounding defenders Zac Williams (injured) and Nathan Wilson (Fremantle) missing, Finlayson, along with second-year defender Isaac Cumming, will be pushing hard to fill the void.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: He’s had the opportunity to take the kick-outs, he’s been good defensively and he’s found some footy himself on the way out. Firming as a Round 1 starter.
Isaac Cumming (GWS) $117,300
The GWS Academy product, selected at pick No. 20 in the 2016 draft, impressed in the NEAFL last season, with his ball-use a highlight.
The dashing defender, who won more than 25 disposals in six games, scored more than 100 SuperCoach points in six of the final 11 matches of 2017.
Yes, Heath Shaw is still back there but the Giants need to replace the speed and precision kicking that both Williams and Wilson provided.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Looks to be behind in the race for the half-back spot after no JLT Series appearance but we should see him at some stage in 2018.
RECYCLED GOLD
Cam O’Shea (Carl) $166,000
In 2013, O’Shea played every game for Port Adelaide, averaging a very serviceable — and career-high — 74 SuperCoach points.
Fast forward three years and, after only playing 32 of a possible 66 games, O’Shea found himself on the outer at Alberton. At the end of the 2016 season, he was delisted.
In 2017, the 25-year-old moved back to Melbourne to play with Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Blues.
And what a great decision it was.
After winning the best-and-fairest and averaging 23 disposals and 91 SuperCoach points, O’Shea was picked up by Carlton in the pre-season draft.
In the absence of injured star Sam Docherty, O’Shea, who has 81 AFL games to his name, is vying for a spot across at half-back.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Just as it looked like we could write him off as a starting selection, O’Shea has been named for Saturday’s clash with the Hawks. The Phantom will be watching on with interest.
Sam Murray (Coll) $123,900
Without a senior appearance to his name, Murray’s move from Sydney to Collingwood was one of the surprises of last year’s trade period.
After spending his first year in the Swans’ reserves as a forward, the 20-year-old was recast as a rebounding defender in 2017 with great success.
The 187cm left-footer averaged 22 disposals — at 77 per cent efficiency — six intercept possessions, six score involvements and 94 SuperCoach points in his new role.
And his performances raised eyebrows from afar with the Magpies giving up a future second-round selection for the hard-running Murray.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: In a similar story to O’Shea, Murray will line-up for the Magpies on Saturday and, given the selection they gave up for him, still looks to be in their early-season plans.
ANOTHER CHANCE
Mitch Hibberd (NM) $169,300
Hibberd was a popular rookie-priced selection in SuperCoach last season after an impressive summer earned him a Round 1 debut.
Brad Scott obviously didn’t like what he saw because Hibberd, after just 10 disposals and 23 SuperCoach points, was back in the VFL.
We didn’t see Hibberd until strong, consistent VFL form saw him force his way back into the senior side in Round 15. While he had little impact in his return game, the 192cm defender, who boasts elite endurance, was outstanding in Round 16 tallying 22 disposals — at 86 per cent efficiency — seven marks and 74 SuperCoach points.
Unfortunately, Hibberd was struck down by injury in the first quarter of the Round 17 clash with Port Adelaide.
But that means his rookie price tag remains.
So can we give the 21-year-old, who held off new recruit — and running machine — Billy Hartung to win the 2km time trial at the start of pre-season, another chance in 2018?
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Lined up in both JLT Series matches but played limited game-time. Might still be on the fringe of the Kangaroos best side.
TOP-PRICE
Jack Scrimshaw (GC) $202,300
While he didn’t see the world on fire in 2017, expect the 193cm rebounding defender to build on his four-game debut season.
At this stage of his career, Scrimshaw, who averaged 56 SuperCoach points in his first three games before a disappointing score of 17, will be hoping to lockdown a spot at half-back and utilise his damaging left-foot and intercept ability.
But, as the 19-year-old develops, he has the qualities to turn himself into a Marcus Bontempelli-like midfielder.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Scrimshaw is going to be a player but cross him off your list for now after no JLT Series appearance.
Brandon White (St K) $225,800
The neat-kicking left-footer played one game in his debut season of 2016, hitting the target with 12 of his 13 disposals to finish with 45 points, despite hurting his arm, against the Lions in Round 23.
In 2017, White was again forced to bide his time in the VFL before winning promotion in Round 19. In the three matches that followed, the dashing defender won 13, 16 and 10 disposals — all at more than 80 per cent efficiency — in each game respectively, to average 59 SuperCoach points.
While these numbers don’t scream ‘pick me’, the 21-year-old’s effective ball-use and decision making, which was again on show during the club’s recent match simulation session, will have him in the selection frame early in 2018, especially with the retirement of Leigh Montagna.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Didn’t feature in the JLT Series but he’s still one to keep an eye on for later in the year.
THE FAIRYTALE
David Mirra (Haw) $102,400
An early-season debut for the mature-age recruit, who averaged 127 SuperCoach points in the final five games of the VFL season, would be a fairytale. Not only for the 26-year-old who had previously been overlooked in every draft in since 2009 but for SuperCoaches, given our love for bottom-price rookie option.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Only played a quarter against the Dogs so it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer for the fairytale.
MIDFIELDERS
THE TOP PICKS
Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM) $189,300
The No. 4 pick could soon be North Melbourne’s best midfielder.
‘LDU’ has created a buzz down at Arden Street all summer.
And it’s not hard to see why.
The 18-year-old has some phenomenal junior numbers to show and, at 188cm and 85kg, is ready to have impact from the get-go.
The ball-winning midfielder averaged 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, six score involvements, one goal and 134 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup last season, with a 33-disposal, 184-point performance in the finals the highlight.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: ‘LDU’ tallied a combined 28 disposals in North Melbourne’s two JLT Series matches but failed to have a real influence. Scores of 52 and 43 have SuperCoaches worried and rightly so. But, just remember, it was his first two games in the big time and he is guaranteed midfield time in Round 1.
Andrew Brayshaw (Freo) $198,300
Like ‘LDU’, Brayshaw is ready to go and is another complete package to come out of last year’s draft. The 18-year-old posted a SuperCoach ton in all 10 TAC Cup games he played last year, averaging 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, seven tackles and more than seven score involvements.
Last year’s No. 2 draft pick was the leading score assist player in the competition.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Has impressed the Dockers all summer and capped it off with 14 disposals, six tackles and 87 SuperCoach points in the club’s first JLT Series fixture.
Paddy Dow (Car) $193,800
Dow’s 2017 was cut short by a shoulder injury but he had done enough for the Blues to take him at pick No. 3 in last year’s draft.
He had a slighty delayed start to his first-preseason but, as his JLT Series performance against the Saints proved, Dow is ready slot straight into a transitioning Carlton midfield in Round 1.
And, given 60 per cent of the inside midfielder’s possessions at the under-18 championships were contested; his scoring should justify his starting price.
In his final TAC Cup game last year, Down tallied 35 disposals, 21 contested possessions and six clearances.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Dow tallied 13 disposals, two goals and 66 SuperCoach points against the Saints in his first JLT Series match – a performance which has pushed him ahead of ‘LDU’.
Hunter Clark (StK) $175,800
While Clark has played at half-back in his junior days, his ability to win the footy, break away and hit a target should see him become a damaging AFL midfielder — and hopefully a good SuperCoach scorer when he gets a chance.
The 18-year-old showcased his ball-winning ability in the TAC Cup in 2017, averaging 27 disposals and 126 SuperCoach points.
There is plenty of class about Clark, who moves like Bulldog star Marcus Bontempelli, with his clean hands, work in traffic and kicking — on both sides of his body — standout attributes.
But he also likes the tough stuff, averaging 13 contested possessions and 7 tackles per game last year.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: This kid is going to be a star. If he’s named Round 1, which is every chance given his impressive JLT Series, he’ll be in The Phantom’s side.
THE MATURE-AGERS
Tim Kelly (Geel) $117,300
Steven Motlop out, Kelly in?
That’s the scenario SuperCoaches are hoping for and, after the classy 23-year-old’s impressive pre-season campaign, it’s a very good chance of becoming a reality.
In 2017, the sublimely-skilled Kelly dominated the WAFL, averaging 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, four tackles, seven score involvements and 118 SuperCoach points to finish runner-up in the Sandover Medal as the league’s best player.
The last mature-ager to make the transition from the WAFL to the Cats’ side was ball magnet Sam Menegola and, last year, Tom Stewart was another mature-age recruit to have an immediate impact.
Expect the goal-kicking midfielder to do the same in 2018.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: It was a ‘yes’ prior to Kelly taking the field in the JLT Series and it’s an even bigger one now. Start him on your field with confidence.
Nick Holman (GC) $102,400
Another dream scenario for SuperCoaches would be a Round 1 debut for the basement-price Holman.
After being delisted by Carlton, after nine games, at the end of 2015, Holman spent two years with Central District in the SANFL, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the competition.
In a dominant 2017 season, the 22-year-old averaged 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven score involvements, seven inside 50s, six tackles and 127 SuperCoach points per game, finishing the year as Central’s best and fairest.
If the 187cm midfielder can add some outside polish to his game, he will be better placed for a second crack at the big time.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: After 15 disposals, nine contested possessions, eight tackles and 84 points against the Cats, the dream is closer to reality.
Dom Barry (Port) $117,300
“He’s been outstanding, one of our real shining lights so far this pre-season.’’
Those are the words of Port Adelaide assistant coach Matthew Nicks.
Sure, we hear the ‘training the house down’ line far too often at this time of the year but that’s a ringing endorsement for the 24-year-old, who was selected at pick No. 61 in the 2017 draft.
The former Demon, who, after five games, walked away from AFL footy in 2014, reignited his career with Glenelg in the SANFL last season.
The talented left-footer, who averaged 89 SuperCoach points in the SANFL — with a 152-point performance against the Crows in Round 8 — believes he is in a better place after returning to his home in the APY lands in 2014.
It’s time for Barry, who showed of his running power ball-winning ability in Port Adelaide’s opening JLT Series fixture, to fulfil his potential.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: The endorsements have only become stronger after Barry was one of the Power’s best against the Eagles. Firming as a starter in Ken Hinkley’s Round 1 side.
SECOND-YEAR SPIKE?
Will Brodie (GC) $187,700
In 2018, there will plenty of opportunity in coach Stuart Dew’s new-look Gold Coast midfield and The Phantom believes Brodie — whose game has similar traits to inside bulls Josh Kennedy and Patrick Cripps — will step up.
Despite some strong form in the NEAFL, which saw him average 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions and five clearances, the second-year midfielder only managed three games in his debut season.
While Brodie, who stands at 189cm, failed to reach double-digit disposals in his first two appearances, in Round 23 — after 39 disposals, six marks and seven tackles against the Swans reserves the week prior — the second-year midfielder recorded 23 disposals and eight contested possessions against the Power.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Been locked into The Phantom’s side from the beginning. And nothing’s changed. Brodie’s 14 disposals, four marks, four tackles, seven contested possessions and 72 SuperCoach points against the Cats was a good start.
Jordan Gallucci (Adel) $219,400, forward
With Charlie Cameron departing for Brisbane in the off-season, there is a spot for a speedy half-forward in the Crows’ side.
Enter Gallucci.
After averaging 128 SuperCoach in the TAC Cup in his draft year of 2016, the athletic midfielder managed only one game in his debut season.
That came in Round 9 against the Lions with Gallucci recording 11 disposals, three tackles, a goal and 57 points.
The 19-year-old, who scored 226 SuperCoach points in a single game in the TAC Cup, scored more than 100 points in four of his final five SANFL appearances last season.
Gallucci’s 2017 ended prematurely with a broken jaw resulting in dramatic weight loss.
But, he’s back at his usual weight and ready to bring the x-factor his side is looking to replace.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: A foot injury has stalled Gallucci’s progress and, although we won’t see him in JLT Series showdown, he will play in a SANFL trial on Saturday. Still an outside chance for Round 1.
TACKLING MACHINE
Lachie Fogarty (Geel) $117,300
Another Cat in line for an early-season debut as a small, pressure forward is the 18-year-old tackling machine.
Fogarty, who fell into Geelong’s lap at pick No. 22, averaged 144 SuperCoach points — the highest in the competition — and 10 tackles per game in the TAC Cup last season.
Coach Chris Scott has already hinted both Fogarty and Kelly can help his side in 2018 and he hasn’t been afraid to give the kids a go in the past — Brandan Parfitt the most recent example in 2017.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Got a start in JLT1 and showed a bit with 16 disposals, four tackles and 68 points. But it wasn’t enough for Fogarty to hold his spot for the Cats’ final JLT Series match. Another potential downgrade option at some stage this year
THE SMOKIES
Kieran Lovell (Haw) $174,800
Ball magnet alert.
In his draft year of 2015, Lovell averaged 35 disposals and 187 SuperCoach points at the under-18 championships and 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions and 159 points in the TAC Cup.
Huge.
The following year, the strong midfielder played two AFL games in his debut season, winning 18 disposals, nine contested possessions and 62 points in his second game.
With the departure of Sam Mitchell at the end of 2016, Lovell, drafted at pick No. 22 in 2015, was earmarked as a potential replacement last season.
But a serious shoulder injury, that restricted him to just three VFL matches, ruined any chance of that.
In one of those games, the third-year Hawk tallied 34 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine clearances, eight score involvements and seven tackles.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Where is he, Clarko!?
Jack Trengove (Port) $162,700
Even with all of the discussion around Trengove’s struggles at Melbourne — prior to the serious foot injury in 2014 — when he was handed the responsibility of co-captaining the club at just 20, the former Demon midfielder’s numbers still provide good reading.
In his first four seasons in the competition, the smart decision-maker played 79 of a possible 88 games and averaged more than 75 SuperCoach points in each year, with a high of 88 in 2011.
But then the foot troubles started.
Trengove only managed two games AFL games in the following seasons of 2014 and 2015.
Despite putting the major issue behind him in 2016, the 26-year-old failed to regain his spot in Melbourne’s senior side, making 32 appearances in the VFL and only five at the top level.
But, back in his home state, can Trengove take hold of the opportunity Port Adelaide have given him to start again with both hands?
And give the SuperCoach community another midfield cash cow to choose from?
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: It would be a great story but it’s hard to see Trengove breaking into the Power’s best 22
THE RUCKS
Darcy Cameron (Syd) $123,900
While Callum Sinclair formed a solid partnership with No. 1 ruckman Sam Naismith in the latter stages of 2017, his two-disposal, 10-point performance in the semi-final loss to the Cats was anything but solid.
And, along with the retirement of Kurt Tippett, this has left the door slightly ajar for 22-year-old Cameron to push his way in.
Sinclair is more than capable as a forward, with his five goals in Round 18 and three goals in the elimination final highlighting this. But so is Cameron.
In 2016, prior to being drafted, Cameron took 43 contested marks – the most in the competition – and booted 36 goals for Claremont in the WAFL.
While Cameron’s numbers in the NEAFL prior to a Round 11 injury last year – 24.6 hitouts, 7.4 to advantage – would suggest he is a better ruckman, it still remains to be seen whether he can match it with the big boys at senior level.
Let’s hope he gets a chance to prove it in 2018.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: A season-ending injury to No. 1 ruckman Sam Naismith means Cameron is now almost certain of a Round 1 debut, alongside Callum Sinclair.
FORWARDS
THE BIG NUMBERS
Jordan Dawson (Syd) $123,900, midfielder
After a dominant year in the NEAFL, the 20-year-old, who played one senior game, won Sydney’s Cathy Lees Award for ‘most promising young player or best blossoming talent’ for 2017.
The past three winners are Nic Newman (2016), Isaac Heeney (2015) and Jake Lloyd (2014).
That’s a good indication we can expect big things from the third-year Swan in 2018, especially after posting some enormous numbers in the reserves last season.
Dawson, who played through the midfield and up forward, averaged 136 SuperCoach points, ranking elite for disposals, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, contested marks, goals and tackles per game in 2017.
Now that’s what you call an all-round game.
In one match last year, Dawson recorded 40 disposals, 14 marks, eight tackles, seven clearances, six inside 50s and three goals.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Failed to make an appearance in the JLT Series after a minor injury setback.
THE EAGLES
Luke Partington (WC) $219,000
While there are number of West Coast forwards on the SuperCoach radar in 2018, Partington’s name has hardly received a mention.
But, after six appearances last season, including the final against Port, and three pre-seasons under his belt — don’t underestimate the benefits of this — the 21-year-old is ready to step up and help fill the void left by Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis in the midfield.
At the top level in 2017, Partington spent most of his time as a small-forward but he was prolific as a ball-winner in the WAFL.
The hard-running Partington averaged 28 disposals and 93 SuperCoach points, winning 10 or more contested possessions in 10 of his 13 games last season.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Didn’t play against the Power and has been listed as an emergency for Sunday’s clash with the Dockers. He’s close but maybe there just yet.
Liam Ryan (WC) $117,300
One player that has been talked about a lot is the excitement machine from the WAFL.
The 21-year-old, who is a mid-sized forward at 181cm, booted 73 goals from his 23 games last season — nine more than any other play in any major state league, not just the WAFL.
Don’t let his height fool you.
Ryan is outstanding overhead, taking the third-most marks inside forward 50 last season, plenty of them while sitting on a defender’s shoulders.
Expect to see plenty of highlights from the mature-age recruit in 2018.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: The verdict remains the same; the perfect bench option at the moment.
Daniel Venables (WC) $123,900
It’s a fair chance we would’ve seen the strongly-built 19-year-old in the Eagles’ line-up during his debut season if it wasn’t for injury.
After a delayed start to his first pre-season due to a foot injury, West Coast’s first pick in the 2016 draft played eight games in the WAFL, two of them in the reserves, last year before a toe injury ruined his chance of a mid-season debut.
The explosive Venables played predominantly as a forward in those eight games but his mix of power and speed, that has many onlookers comparing him to star teammate Luke Shuey, could see him push into the midfield.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Although Venables has never been a big ball winner, his ability to impact the scoreboard — off his own boot and by dishing off to others — should still see him score well, if he gets a chance. And he’s shown glimpses in the JLT Series and is well-and-truly in the mix.
Willie Rioli (WC) $123,900
Lewis Jetta had some pretty strong words to say about the 22 year old, who battled hamstring injuries during his first season on the club’s list, earlier in the week.
“You can expect magic from him. He is a freak. He is pretty similar to his cousins (Cyril and Daniel). He knows where the goals are, knows how to kick a ball and he has worked really hard over the pre-season.”
As Jetta’s comments reiterate; Rioli is highly rated at the Eagles.
Injury restricted the dangerous small-forward to just two games in the opening 17 rounds of the WAFL in 2017 but Rioli was so impressive late in the season that he was in the selection frame for the Eagles’ elimination final against the Power after only three senior WAFL appearances.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: An AFLX injury forced him out of the Eagles’ JLT Series opener but his back for their final clash with the Dockers and, barring another injury, should be there in Round 1.
THE COMEBACK
Paul Ahern (NM) $123,900, midfielder
After two knee reconstructions, is it finally time to see the No. 7 pick from the 2014 make his debut?
The Phantom sure hopes so because the former Giant can play.
In 2015, after averaging 98 SuperCoach points as Vic Metro’s top-ranked forward at the 2014 under-18 championships, the classy 21-year-old averaged 23 disposals at an impressive 76 per cent efficiency in the NEAFL.
Unfortunately that was the last time Ahern was on the field.
North Melbourne took the risk on the hard-running right-footer, trading for him at the end of 2016 even though he wouldn’t take the field the follow season.
But he’s been back in full-training since November last and looks set to finally make his mark on the competition.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: We didn’t see him at all during the pre-season competition and, as Brad Scott suggested, it doesn’t look like the club will rush him.
THE NEXT STEP
Will Setterfield (GWS) $195,700, midfielder
Although he battled injury, the tall midfielder, who was rated as one of the most complete in his draft year, played two AFL games in his debut season, registering 12 disposals, six tackles and 63 SuperCoach points on debut.
In that draft year of 2016, the 190cm Setterfield averaged 121 points in the TAC cup and was the only midfielder in the competition to rate elite for goals, score assists and tackles per game.
Expect the Giants to make the most of those attributes by giving the 19-year-old a role in the forward line in 2018 before the inevitable full-time midfield move eventuates.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Noooooooooooooo. Unfortnately, the second-year midfielder tore his ACL in a practice match against the Swans. Put him on your 2019 watchlist.
THE TOP-PICKS
Cam Rayner (Bris) $202,800, midfielder
The No. 1 draft pick, who averaged 20 disposals, two goals and 122 SuperCoach across all games last season, is going to be a star. There is no doubt about it.
But Rayner, who has drawn comparisons to a young Dustin Martin — and rightly so — is likely to spend much of his debut season in the forward line as he builds up his endurance.
Sure, the powerful 18-year-old could — and will — do some damage as a forward but will it be often enough for his SuperCoach scoring to match his high price tag?
The Phantom is unsure.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: His five possessions and 32 point against the Swans did little to alleviate The Phantom’s concern.
Jaidyn Stephenson (Coll) $180,300, midfielder
Stephenson was once touted as a potential No. 1 pick but a heart condition scared a number of clubs off.
But not Collingwood, who swooped on the line-breaking midfielder with pick No. 6.
The 19 year old, who possesses speed and great hands overhead, exploded in the second half of last season.
After scoring 146 SuperCoach points, on the back of 28 disposals and five goals, against South Australia in the 2017 under-18 championships, Stephenson averaged 132 points in the TAC Cup for the remainder of the year.
Stephenson has the ability and skill-set to add to the Magpies’ side immediately with his goalkicking nous allowing him to play a variety of roles.
If he gets a chance early, it’s not out of the question for Stephenson to post Will Hoskin-Elliott-like numbers of 2017.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: The Magpies love him and, while his 47-point performance – which included 13 disposals at 92 per cent – didn’t turn heads, The Phantom thinks he’s done enough for a Round 1 debut.
THE DOWNGRADE
Jack Higgins (Rich) $130,800, midfielder
Over summer, all the signs were pointing to Higgins potentially being one of the best cash cows of the season but Richmond coach Damien Hardwick’s comments on the AFL’s ‘ask the coach’ segment earlier in the week have dampened expectations.
When asked about the chances of Higgins playing in his debut season, Hardwick said “it probably won’t be early,” but added that he would be disappointing if he didn’t put his hand up midway through the year.
So it looks like we will have to wait a while longer to see the prolific midfielder who averaged 144 SuperCoach points across his junior career, breaking Tom Rockliff’s longstanding junior record.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: As frustrating as Hardwick’s comments are for SuperCoaches, Higgins will be worth the wait.
THE MATURE-AGER
Bayley Fritsch (Melb) $117,300
The 188cm forward, who possesses great hands, booted 42 goals and averaged 82 SuperCoach points for Melbourne’s VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions in the VFL last season.
The Demons were so impressed they jumped with pick No. 31 in the draft, giving the high-marking Fritsch a shot at the big time.
And they continued to be impressed with coach Simon Goodwin declaring Fritsch “has been a real standout in our training” and “is working really well with our other forwards”.
Melbourne went with mature-age forward Mitch Hannan from the outset in 2017 and Fritsch is tracking on the same path.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: A standout JLT Series has all-but booked Fritsch a Round 1 debut.
AND THE JLT SERIES BOLTERS...
Lachlan Murphy (Adel) $102,400, defender
After not being drafted in 2016, despite averaging 27 disposals per game in the TAC Cup, the 19-year-old moved from Victoria last season to play in the SANFL with the Adelaide’s reserves. And he impressed them so much playing as a small defender, the Crows drafted him as a rookie at the end of last year.
However, he’s been playing a pressure-applying small forward through the pre-season and was terrific with three goals and 75 SuperCoach points against the Dockers in the first week of the JLT Series. Murphy is right in the mix to fill the void left by Charlie Cameron in Round 1.
Charlie Constable (Geel) $117,300, midfielder
The 18-year-old, who averaged 121 SuperCoach points at the under-18 championships last season, could be a Round 1 smoky, after 22 disposals – the second-most for the Cats – and 75 points in just 65 per cent game time against the Suns. The tall, inside midfielder’s 11 contested possessions was also an equal team-high but, even though he may develop into a Patrick Cripps-like midfielder in time, the Geelong engine room is a tough one to crack.
Bailey Banfield (Freo) $123,400, midfielder
We know Ross Lyon likes to surprise us and Banfield could be the Round 1 bolter? The 20-year-old rookie-listed midfielder, who won Claremont’s best-and-fairest in the WAFL last season, registered 11 disposals, five marks, two goals and 96 points playing predominantly as a forward in week one of the JLT Series. Watch 188cm Banfield closely on Sunday.
Final word: How to deal with SuperCoach rookie blow
There was more KFC SuperCoach carnage at team selection this week. But there was some good news, too. The Phantom looks at all the Round 4 teams, how to deal with new rookie blow and all the weekend’s best captain options
SuperCoach: Simpkin, Petracca or Smith – who do you take?
Jy Simpkin, Bailey Smith and Christian Petracca all present tremendous value in the KFC SuperCoach forward line ahead of Round 4. But, if you’re trading Josh Dunkley or cashing out on Lachie Whitfield, which one do you choose?