AFL SuperCoach 2018: All the cheap players you need to know when picking your starting squad
ROOKIES are the backbone of every SuperCoach team. Which first-year players and mature-age recruits should you pick? Here’s every cheapie you need to know. NEW PODCAST
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ROOKIES are the backbone of every SuperCoach team.
You can’t pick high-priced superstars without bargain-priced players (valued at up to $210,000 — “rookies” in SuperCoach terminology) to fill out the final spots in our starting line-up and on the bench.
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Pick the right player and you can get premium scoring at a bargain price, and generate money for your big trades later in the year. Get it wrong and you can be stuck with a player who isn’t scoring any points or gaining any value.
In short, getting the right rookies can be the making or undoing of your SuperCoach season. With so many bottom-priced players — the vast majority of whom are strangers to most fans — it’s hard to know who to select. That’s why we are here to help.
Scroll down for the lowdown on the 43 cheapies you need to know this year.
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A couple of things to note — firstly, mature-age recruits generally score more points and have better job security than first-year draftees. Secondly, the rookies who score best and rise in value the fastest are usually midfielders, a word of caution when stacking our midfield with stars and fielding lots of rookies in defence and the forward line, where stocks are particularly thin this year.
DEFENDERS
Nick Coffield (StK) $171,300 DEF/MID
Top-10 draft pick looked assured in a half-back role during the JLT Series, playing both games and scoring 63 and 48 points. A slight concern is the fact the Saints have a few players who perform a similar role, plus he’s a bit more expensive than some other players on this list. Still, if he’s picked for Round 1 he will be a handy link between the defence and midfield.
Mitchell Hibberd (NM) $169,300
Burnt a lot of coaches last year when he flopped in the home-and-away season after an impressive JLT Series. Played both games again this year and looked promising. Will he let us down again?
Aaron Naughton (WB) $166,800
Teenage intercept marking specialist already looks at home in the Dogs’ defence, which is no surprise after he played lots of senior footy in WA last year before being drafted. Looks a solid selection.
Cam O’Shea (Carl) $166,000
Former Port Adelaide defender (81 games from 2011-16) has been given a second chance at the top level after winning the Northern Blues best-and-fairest last year. Was all the rage when SuperCoach opened but we’ve hardly sighted him in the pre-season. Made a nice cameo against the Hawks to give himself a slight chance of playing against Richmond.
Tom Doedee (Adel) $123,900
Seems the safest bet in this part of the ground after being used as a replacement for Jake Lever in all of Adelaide’s pre-season games, and doing a pretty good job of it (scoring 86 and 56 in his two JLT games). The 21-year-old former Geelong Falcon has completed an apprenticeship in the SANFL, where he was the No. 1 intercept player last year.
Jeremy Finlayson (GWS) $123,900 DEF/MID
A mobile tall who can play at either end, Finlayson pushed hard for a senior debut last year without luck, winning the Giants’ NEAFL development award. He seems ready to take the next step this year after a very good JLT Series in which he scored 85 and 66 points and was entrusted with kick-in duties.
Isaac Cumming (GWS) $123,900
Another developing Giant who was in the frame to replace the injured Zac Williams. But we haven’t seen him during the pre-season and he seems to have been overtaken by Finlayson. Cross him off.
Sam Murray (Coll) $123,900
After giving up a future second-round draft pick to get him from Sydney last November, Collingwood recruiters were high-fiving when Murray starred in the Magpies’ JLT Series win against the Bulldogs. The 20-year-old small defender ran off half-back to collect 24 disposals, nine marks and 102 SuperCoach points. Now all we need is for Nathan Buckley to pick him for Round 1.
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Lachlan Keeffe (GWS) $123,900
The former Pie was recruited by the Giants seemingly as insurance but received a call-up for the second JLT Series game and scored a respectable 59 points. GWS has a few players to come back but if he holds his spot he could be worth a punt.
Alex Morgan (NM) $123,900
Crossed from Essendon to North Melbourne hoping for more senior opportunities in possibly the lowest-profile move of last year’s trade period. As a 22-year-old he ticks the box of being ready to play straight away, but he was unsighted in the JLT Series. Doesn’t seem to be part of Brad Scott’s plans, at least for now.
Jack Payne (BL) $117,300
As a kid he represented Australia as a discus thrower but Payne is now a chance for a Round 1 debut with the Lions after being recruited via the club’s academy program. His first JLT game (61 points) was a lot more promising than his second (10).
Riley Stoddart (Syd) $117,300
Defender from the Eastern Ranges who caught they eye in the JLT Series for his dashes out of defence and long flowing brown locks. Couldn’t back up his 60 points in JLT1 in the next game (22) and is unlikely to hold his spot when several big-name Swans return. Could be a downgrade target sometime during the season.
Brody Mihocek (Coll) $102,400
Any 25-year-old recruit makes experienced SuperCoach players take notice. Mihocek played for Port Melbourne in the VFL last year and could help shore up the Magpies’ back half. He’s an old-school defender who won’t score a lot of points, but could be a very cheap bench pick.
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David Mirra (Haw) $102,400
Mirra is another fairytale story in the making after finally breaking onto an AFL list after seven years playing for the Box Hill Hawks. He’s a rebounding defender who is ready to play from Round 1 but had very limited game time in the JLT Series so looks to be more injury insurance than a Round 1 starter.
Lachlan Murphy (Adel) $102,400
JLT Series surprise packet Murphy was recruited in last year’s rookie draft after playing for the Crows’ SANFL team as a small defender. In the pre-season he has been used up forward, where he kicked three goals (all against the Dockers) and applied plenty of pressure. In the frame to fill the role vacated by Charlie Cameron.
MIDFIELDERS
Andrew Brayshaw (Frem) $198,300
The younger brother of Demon Angus impressed at every level of junior footy (averaging 131 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup) before being taken with pick 2 in last year’s national draft. The solidly-built inside mid went head-to-head with Nat Fyfe — and held his own — in a Freo intra-club match and could be the exception to the rule about first-year players struggling to match mature-age recruits. Scored 87 and 97 in his two JLT games and seems set to more than justify his elevated starting price.
Paddy Dow (Carl) $193,800
Carlton fans, and SuperCoach players, were very excited after Dow’s eye-catching JLT Series debut. But the hype has cooled after a quieter game against Hawthorn. Still a good chance to play in Round 1 but there are question marks over the No. 3 draft pick’s ability to score enough points to make significant cash gains.
Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM) $189,300
Similar situation to Dow. Taken at pick 4 in the draft, “LDU” has sublime skills and has been part of the Kangaroos’ midfield during the pre-season. Unfortunately that hasn’t translated to a lot of SuperCoach points, with returns of 52 and 43 points from his two matches. There seems better value elsewhere.
Will Brodie (GC) $187,700
A tall inside midfielder who has been in the system for a year after being selected at pick 9 in the 2016 draft. Brodie spent most of last year in the NEAFL, playing just three AFL games, but he will hopefully add 22 more this year. Impressed in the JLT Series (scoring 72 and 64) and seems part of the new-look Ablett-less Suns midfield.
Hunter Clark (StK) $175,800
Selected with the pick before Coffield (7) last year, Hunter is an inside midfielder who was likened to Marcus Bontempelli for his ability to get a handball away in traffic by teammate David Armitage. Found the goals in each of his JLT games and looks a good chance to play in Round 1.
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Tim Kelly (Geel) $117,300
Lock him in. Shaping as the best rookie pick this season, the 23-year-old former electrician is another mature-age recruit off the Geelong production line. Drafted from WA last year after finishing second in the Sandover Medal, he has shown in the JLT Series he’s ready to go from Round 1.
Dom Barry (PA) $117,300
Former Demon given a second chance by the Power turned heads with a starring performance in Port Adelaide’s first JLT Series game (99 points). Was quieter in JLT2 but after a poor first half he came home strongly to remind Ken Hinkley of his value ahead of Round 1. Solid bench choice.
James Worpel (Haw) $117,300
Strongly built draftee impressed in an intraclub hitout and in AFLX but didn’t make the cut for either of the Hawks’ JLT Series games. Shapes as a mid-year downgrade.
Nick Shipley (GWS) $117,300
The first graduate of the Giants academy from western Sydney to be drafted by the club, Shipley was a quiet achiever in the pre-season, scoring 60 and 44 points without anyone seeming to take much notice. Can the contested ball winner hold his spot for Round 1?
Lachlan Fogarty (Geel) $117,300
Tackling machine was recruited to fill the Cats’ need for forward pressure and didn’t do much wrong in AFLX or Geelong’s first JLT game, but missed the cut for game two. Round 1 looks a long shot.
Brayden Ainsworth (WC) $117,300
After missing out in his draft year Ainsworth excelled for Subiaco’s reserves side in the WAFL last year and won more clearances than any other player in the 2017 under-18 national championships. Capable of playing straight away at age 19 and has played both JLT matches but struggled to have an impact, recording six and five disposals.
Bailey Banfield (Frem) $123,400
The rule change allowing clubs to play rookies from Round 1 could have an immediate pay-off for SuperCoach players in the form of the 2017 Claremont best-and-fairest winner. The 20-year-old collected 29 disposals and kicked 3.3 playing as a pressure forward in the JLT Series. Ross Lyon signalled after the Dockers’ thrashing of West Coast that Banfield was almost certain to debut in Round 1 and his former WAFL coach says opponents should beware: “If he hits you, you stay hit.” We love him already.
Nick Holman (GC) $102,400
One of several options on this list making the most of an AFL lifeline. Holman was delisted by Carlton at the end of 2015 after nine senior games but has a second chance at the Suns after starring in the SANFL last year, averaging 26 disposals a game. Tackles a lot and costs hardly anything — stick him on your bench.
RUCKS
Tim English (WB) $134,700 RUC/FWD
This is the toughest part of the field for rookies even though we only need one. English is in his second year and could get some games but he has a lot of development to do and even if he does break though, don’t bank on big scores (he scored 37 and 33 in his two games last year). Dual-position status could be helpful.
Marc Pittonet (Haw) $129,700
Dirt cheap after spending all of last year in the VFL but does have some AFL experience (three games in 2016). Can only see him being relevant if Ben McEvoy breaks down.
Darcy Cameron (Syd) $123,900
Speaking of suddenly becoming relevant, Cameron has jumped up the ruck pecking order in Sydney after a season-ending knee injury to No. 1 big man Sam Naismith. With Callum Sinclair also no certainty to be fit for Round 1, Cameron is an excellent chance of playing some games and increasing in value. But if his last JLT outing is anything to go by (eight disposals, 37 points), it won’t be by a lot.
Sam Hayes (PA) $117,300 RUC/FWD
The top-ranked ruckman in the TAC Cup last year is cheaper than he could have been after slipping to pick 47 on draft night. Unlikely get senior games this season but he’s the cheapest dual-position ruck.
Tony Olango (WC) $102,400
If you don’t want to spend any more money in this position than absolutely necessary, look no further than the man described by stats gurus Champion Data as a “low-disposal ruckman” (the most he has ever recorded in a game is 11). The benefit of Olango, apart from his price, is that the Eagles play more Sunday afternoon games than any other team which makes him an ideal candidate for the vice-captain loophole.
FORWARDS
Cam Rayner (BL) $202,800 FWD/MID
The No. 1 draft pick was compared to Dustin Martin for the way he dominated under-18 games. Can play midfield and forward and the big plus is he’s likely get plenty of game time which could offset his very high price (he’s the most expensive player on this list). Rayner is an impact player rather than an accumulator so his scores are likely to be up and down, as evidenced by his two JLT returns — 31 and 71.
Jaidyn Stephenson (Coll) $180,300 FWD/MID
Collingwood received expert advice before last year’s draft that a rare heart condition won’t stop Stephenson becoming a gun AFL midfielder. Had 13 disposals in each of the Magpies’ two JLT games and looks a good chance of playing in Round 1. But will he score enough at that price?
Darcy Fogarty (Adel) $153,300 FWD/MID
Was drafted into lots of SuperCoach teams after his three-goal, 87-point performance against Port Adelaide on Saturday. Wears Mark Ricciuto’s old number and had a similar build. Can he hold his spot when Taylor Walker returns for Round 1? Watch this space.
Jarrod Garlett (Carl) $117,300 FWD/MID
It must be the year for AFL lifelines. The former first-round draft pick quit the Gold Coast Suns for personal reasons in 2016, returning home to WA. Spent last year playing for South Fremantle and impressed Carlton recruiters enough to earn another chance. Hurt his shoulder laying in JLT1 and missed the Blues’ win against Hawthorn but should be right for the season-opener. Probably won’t post huge scores but should be a safe bench pick.
Zac Giles-Langdon (GWS) $117,300
The Giants identified a need for a pressure forward after last season and got one from the WAFL. Giles-Langdon, 22, played both JLT games, sending a scare through SuperCoach ranks when he left the field with a sore shoulder against Sydney. But he returned after halftime and remains in the frame for Round 1. One of several forward rookie options who are on the fringe of their team’s best 22 and don’t boast huge scoring potential.
Bayley Fritsch (Melb) $117,300
Shaping as the best forward rookie option, Fritsch was recruited from Melbourne’s VFL affiliate the Casey Scorpions, where he kicked 42 goals last year. In his two JLT outings he kicked three goals against the Kangaroos and one against St Kilda, scoring 70 and 67 points. The one forward rookie we can confidently start on the field ... assuming he’s picked for Round 1.
Liam Ryan (WC) $117,300
We can’t write about Ryan without using the phrase “excitement machine”. Thrilled WAFL crowds last year, booting 73 goals and taking several outrageous high marks and now gets the chance to show his talents at AFL level. His position and style of play means he’ll probably score modestly most weeks with the occasional breakout performance. Good bench cover.
Willie Rioli (WC) $123,900
Another small forward who applies more pressure than Ryan but also has his fair share of tricks. Gave a glimpse with three goals in an AFLX game but unfortunately hurt his ankle in the first quarter against Freo and is in doubt for the season-opener against Sydney.
Daniel Venables (WC) $123,900 FWD
Adam Simpson suggested over summer he could play all of Ryan, Rioli and Venables in a small forward to match Richmond’s mosquito fleet. Described as a “Luke Shuey clone” by former Eagles champ Matt Priddis, Venables developed in the WAFL last year after being recruited with pick 13 in the 2016 draft. Tough as nails but not a big disposal-winner, scoring 31 and 42 in his two JLT games. The Eagles play on the Sunday of Round 1 and Venables is odds-on to be named on an extended bench.
Paul Ahern (NM) $117,300 FWD/MID
Former top-10 draft pick has overcome two knee reconstructions and is ready to make his mark at his second club. But that probably won’t be early in the season after he was overlooked for both of North Melbourne’s JLT games. Don’t pick him now but watch for a mid-season debut.
Jack Higgins (Rich) $130,800 FWD/MID
Produced unbelievable numbers at junior level, breaking Tom Rockliff’s record by averaging 145 SuperCoach points in all junior matches covered by Champion Data. But after limited game time in JLT1 he was left out for Richmond’s final dress rehearsal and looks set to start his career in the VFL. Pick someone who’s playing instead.
Originally published as AFL SuperCoach 2018: All the cheap players you need to know when picking your starting squad
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