KFC SuperCoach 2020: The best rookie options and cash cows for Round 12
It’s a turning point of the KFC SuperCoach season and there is no time to waste before Round 12. Popular rookies are ready to trade, but which cheapies should we replace them with? See our expert ratings.
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Best-18 weeks are over for now in KFC SuperCoach and it is time to supercharge our sides ahead of the run home.
Rookie downgrades are the sure-fire way to get there but nailing cheapies has been increasingly difficult during the footy frenzy, with teams released on a daily basis.
SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR EXPERT ROOKIE RATINGS
Coaches have been caught out trading in premiums playing early in the round, taking a punt on rookies such as Fremantle defender Tobe Watson and North Melbourne forward Lachie Hosie only to see them dropped days later – despite both posting 50-plus scores the previous round.
A Swan coming off the bye is already locked out but there are several other excellent candidates. A trio of Adelaide-based rookies will also enter calculations despite already appreciating before Round 12, while a Saints rookie’s job security has received a boost.
And coaches also have to make big calls on some of the most popular and successful rookies we picked way back in Round 1.
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CASH COWS TO CULL
1. Marlion Pickett ($353,400, MID) Ave: 70.2 BE: 97
2. Brandon Starcevich ($229,900, DEF/MID) Ave: 50.6 BE: 87
3. Max King ($314,400, FWD) Ave: 60.5 BE: 86
4. Connor Budarick ($242,200, DEF) Ave: 50.3
5. Harley Bennell ($226,400, MID) Ave: 53.6 BE: 53
Marlion Pickett is ripe for trading after making almost $230,000 on his starting price. He finished with eight touches and 48 points against Port Adelaide and may be the first to come out with Trent Cotchin (managed) to return. Regardless, his 97 break-even is ominous and his $353,400 price tag means owners can upgrade him to the likes of Travis Boak with just $118,000 or Tom Mitchell with $230,000.
Max King owners in the pre-season would have been pleasantly surprised if he got to $250,000, let alone $300,000. His season-high 94 point game in Round 9 is now out of his three-game rolling average and appears to have reached his peak. King is just an $80,000 upgrade to Jy Simpkin, who is still spending plenty of time in the guts.
Connor Budarick and Brandon Starcevich both had promising starts but neither has surpassed 60 points since Round 4. Starcevich, who reached a peak price of $295,000 in Round 5, scored a measly 11 points against the Bulldogs and is now worth less than $230,000. Budarick’s price has been going up and down at small increments with sub-par scores that make him an unnecessary risk to field. While both have handy DPP status, you are best served making a downgrade to a rookie to net you some cash and better scoring.
Harley Bennell managed just five disposals against Adelaide in Round 10 and the Melbourne line-up looks settled, so it is time for owners to cut their losses.
John Noble ($345,700, DEF) is a line-ball call, having posted scores of 102 and 89 in his past three matches. With no basement price rookie defenders on the bubble, you can afford to hold him and upgrade/downgrade other struggling members of your side first. But if you are chasing a premium defender this week, by all means trade.
Izak Rankine ($295,800, FWD) has posted back-to-back 80-plus scores and could have soared above 100 on Wednesday night if he’d slotted his set shot at the death. He has a break-even of 10 this round and looms as a handy F6/7 keeper who can be used to loophole with, say, Devon Smith, who has scored more than 80 just once since Round 2.
DAN BATTEN’S ROOKIE RATINGS
1. SAM DRAPER $166,100, RUCK, Ave: 73.5 BE: -47
Predicted average: 70
2019 average (VFL): 131 (4 games)
Those who thought they’d missed the boat on Sam Draper have been given a second chance after he was managed for Essendon’s Round 12 clash against Gold Coast – to the dismay of his 25,000 owners. Max Gawn’s PCL setback sees him in doubt for Round 12 and Draper might just be the saviour for SuperCoaches looking to avoid a zero. In the likely event he returns for the Bombers’ meeting with St Kilda on Sunday, he presents as an option worth considering despite rising in price. Draper registered almost all of his 74 points against GWS in the second half, showing his immense scoring power as a No. 1 ruckman. He may only be worth the investment if he is rucking solo, so watch for Essendon’s team announcement on Saturday night before making the call.
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2. JACK BYTEL $123,900 MID, Ave: 76 BE: -24
Predicted average: 70
2019 average: N/A
Job security: Medium
Tread with caution. On scoring potential, Jack Bytel is the best rookie option ahead of Round 12 but his job security is a concern. The inside-midfielder excelled on debut on a tough night for St Kilda, gathering 18 touches, five clearances and posting 76 points. Bytel was regularly sighted at centre bounces and played exclusively as a midfielder, but will he hold on when Zak Jones (rested) returns? News that Jade Gresham may be sidelined for the rest of the season improves Bytel’s chances, but Seb Ross (calf) is also a week or two away, making a downgrade to Bytel a risky move before knowing teams. Unfortunately, St Kilda’s line-up won’t be announced until Saturday night which will force many coaches into an early decision. It is worth noting Bytel rivalled Sam Walsh’s ball-winning prowess in the NAB League in his draft year before a string of back issues, averaging 22 disposals and 115 points from his six games.
3. LACHIE SHOLL $155,400 DEF, Ave: 59.5 BE: -26
Predicted average: 55
2019 average (SANFL): 75 (21 games)
Job security: High
Sholl provided spark through the midfield in Round 10 and looked to be stationed in defence in his second outing. The flashy youngster was much more consistent against the Magpies, posting 67 points compared to 52 in his debut – with 41 of those coming in his first quarter of senior footy. A lack of rookie defenders on the horizon sees him high in the rankings, as he is likely to feature in most games for the Crows in the run home.
4. BOYD WOODCOCK $138,200 FWD, Ave: 62 Be: -40
Predicted average: 55
2019 average: (SANFL): 77 points
Job security: Medium
Woodcock will shoot to nearly $140,000 according to price magician Brice Mitchell but he certainly isn’t out of reach. The small forward eclipsed his 41-point total first-game total in the first half against the reigning premier, booting a goal on his way to 81 points. His long-term job security is uncertain with forward Brad Ebert to return but the Power won’t be dropping him on form. If you are in need of a forward it is difficult to pass up the exciting youngster with a break even of -40.
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5. HARRY SCHOENBERG $138,900 MID, Ave: 49 BE: -13
Predicted average: 65
2019 average (U18 champs): 122 (4 games)
Job security: Low
Harry Schoenberg had a promising 13 centre bounce attendances on debut and his spot in the side looked certain, but a lot can change in a round. The inside midfielder received little opportunity in the opening half, spending less than 65 per cent of time on the ground, finishing with a team-low 71 per cent (besides injured Crow Tom Lynch) and just 39 points. With skipper Rory Sloane pressing his claim for a return in Round 12 and Brad Crouch not too far behind, Schoenberg could be the unlucky youngster forced out.
Others to consider (if named): Sam Draper, Xavier O’Halloran, Lachie Hosie, Tom De Koning