KFC SuperCoach 2022: The Phantom’s rookie rankings
We’re two games into the KFC SuperCoach season but there are still some vital rookie decisions to be made now the teams are in. The Phantom delivers his final verdict.
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We might be two games into the KFC SuperCoach season but, with the full team sheets only lodged on Thursday night, there are plenty of important rookie decisions still to be made.
I’ve ranked the best cheapies in every position — with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account. Of course, I’ve taken out the players from Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Carlton and Richmond.
For full profiles, check out the 2022 Rookie Bible here.
FORWARDS
1. Josh Rachele (Adel) $184,800
AAMI Series score: 85
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. The talk from West Lakes gets more positive by the day with Nicks confirming what onlookers have been saying for a while – Rachele is “a big chance for Round 1”.
Phantom’s final verdict: It’s more than a big chance now, Rachele is locked in for Round 1 after booting three goals in each of Adelaide’s pre-season games. And he won’t need a lot of the ball to have an impact as he proved with back-to-back AAMI Series scores in the 80s. Hasn’t left my team for a while - put him on your field.
2. Jack Hayes (StK) $102,400, Ruck
AAMI Series score: 60
At last, the SANFL star gets a shot at the big time. Hayes, St Kilda’s SSP signing, has been a state league KFC SuperCoach star for a while now, averaging 128 and 124 points for Woodville-West Torrens in the past two seasons. In 2021, the 192cm mobile big man, who wins plenty of the ball and is strong overhead, posted three KFC SuperCoach double-tons, along with a 177-point display, on the back of 26 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 score involvements, 1.2 and four hitouts-to-advantage, to win the Jack Oatey Medal as the best player in the SANFL grand final.
Phantom’s final verdict:The versatile Hayes looked more the comfortable in the AAMI Series and will play in Round 1. Lock him on the bench.
3. Nic Martin (Ess) $102,400
AAMI Series score: 50
Another SSP gift for KFC SuperCoaches. The mature-age recruit, officially signed by the Bombers after an impressive performance in the practice match, averaged 15 disposals and 80 KFC SuperCoach points and booted 24 goals in the WAFL last year. The 20-year-old from Subiaco averaged 124 KFC SuperCoach points at WAFL Colts level in his draft year of 2019.
Phantom’s final verdict:It was only a half, but Martin was terrific – with his clean hands in particular – on the wing for the Bombers in the AAMI Series, tallying 16 disposals and 50 KFC SuperCoach points in just 42 per cent game-time. Basement-price rookies don’t need to score as much as others to make money so he’s another lock for the bench after he was picked for Saturday’s game.
4. Will Brodie (Freo) $224,300
AAMI Series score: 100
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 Justin Longmuir likes Brodie’s strength and he’s impressed his new coach over summer.
Phantom’s final verdict:Back-to-back KFC SuperCoach tons in the pre-season, and Brodie has all but played his way into a Round 1 spot for the Dockers. Might not spend as much time on ground as some others, but he’s proved that might not matter – especially at $224k. I’ve said all along I would pick him if Longmuir did. He’ll be fine even when Nat Fyfe returns.
5. Kaine Baldwin (Ess) $123,900
AAMI Series score: 48
Baldwin joined 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 202 – and not just in KFC SuperCoach.
Phantom’s final verdict: Baldwin hasn’t just completed a full pre-season, he’s caught the eye of many. And now he’s been confirmed as a Round 1 debutant, bringing him right into the KFC SuperCoach bench conversation.
6. Tristan Xerri (NM) $208,200
AAMI Series score: 96
If the pre-season is anything to go by, the 22-year-old could be about to overtake Todd Goldstein as North Melbourne’s No. 1 ruckman. In the AAMI Series game against the Swans, Xerri finished with 96 points, on the back of 17 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 29 hitouts. And in his five VFL appearances last season, the ball-winning big man posted scores of 110, 105, 102, 125 and 109.
Phantom’s final verdict: Xerri has also rocketed into the KFC SuperCoach conversation, and could be a shrewd selection if he really is the main man at the Kangaroos. He could gain ruck status by Round 6, too. But is Todd Goldstein really finished yet? Has been named in the forward pocket, even with Callum Coleman-Jones back in the squad. I’m still not sold.
7. Finn Maginness (Haw) $143,700, Mid
AAMI Series score: 50
The 21-year-old, who played three matches in his first two years at the Hawks, has continued a push for more senior opportunity over summer. Maginness, an elite runner at 187cm, tallied just 12 disposals, but had seven contested possessions and five tackles, in his only non-sub-affected game of last year. In Round 10 of the VFL, Maginness finished with 17 disposals, six tackles – two inside-50 – two goals and 105 points – does a forward-line role await in 2022?
Phantom’s final verdict: Did a lot right this pre-season and is in the 25-man squad. But will he do enough at the price? Attended four centre bounces in the AAMI Series and tallied 15 disposals. Might be too much mid-price value to start Maginness and Josh Rachele on-field.
RUCKS
1. Hugh Dixon (WC) $102,400, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 45
The SSP signing went goalless in the AAMI Series against the Dockers but he kicked two and finished with 86 KFC SuperCoach points in the practice match a week earlier. The 23-year-old averaged three contested marks per game and booted 19 goals in the WAFL last year, and is a strong chance to play in the opening round, given the Eagles’ injury crisis.
Phantom’s final verdict: If you’re not going with Preuss at R3, or a rolling non-scoring loophole, Dixon could be your man early on. Just don’t expect consistent scoring.
2. Braydon Preuss (GWS) $204,700
AAMI Series score: 102
If you were interested last year at $303k, after he joined the Giants during the trade period looking for more opportunity, Preuss should be high on your radar at a heavily discounted price in 2022. Young ruckmen Matt Flynn and Kieren Briggs made their mark last year, but coach Leon Cameron continued to lean on Shane Mumford. Preuss should get first opportunity as the No.1 man and, remember, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. And in his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.
Phantom’s final verdict: Sadly, after scoring 102 in the AAMI Series clash against the Magpies, he’s been suspended and will miss Round 1. But with Flynn starting the two pre-season games as the No. 1 ruckman, the Preuss at R2 play may have been too risky anyway. There’s still a case to start him at R3, given his potential cash generation, if you can afford it.
3. Max Lynch (Haw) $207,700
AAMI Series score: 38
The former Magpie is a much better chance at taking on a significant ruck role at the Hawks, after being stuck behind Brodie Grundy during his time at Collingwood. Especially after a strong finish to last season, which saw the 23-year-old tally 15 disposals, six score involvements and 63 points against the Demons in Round 13 and post scores of 129, 119, 109 and 96 in his final four VFL games before the season was called off. But new coach Sam Mitchell has conceded it’s “unlikely” Lynch will play in alongside Ned Reeves and Ben McEvoy in the same Hawthorn side. And the early signs point to Reeves leading the ruck with support from skipper McEvoy, who has been working with the forwards during pre-season.
Phantom’s final verdict: McEvoy is out, and Lynch has been named in the ruck, with Reeves on the bench. Is it enough for R2 consideration? Not for me.
4 Bailey Williams (WC) $218,600 FWD/RUCK
AAMI Series score: 46
On the surface, Williams’ numbers from 2021 don’t look great. The young big man didn’t reach 70 per cent game-time in any of his six senior matches for the year, as No.1 ruckman Nic Naitauni played every game for the first time since 2021. Williams played 68 per cent of the game against the Blues in Round 11, his highest percentage of the year. It resulted in a season-low 11 points, however. But the 21-year-old took seven contested marks in his first three matches and another four in Round 11 of the WAFL season, on his way to 103 points against Subiaco. With Oscar Allen in a moon boot, and Jack Darling’s medical exemption knocked back, these are key stats, given Williams, who has impressed on the track, is set to play a bigger role in attack for the Eagles in 2022. In one of his best performances at state-league level, Williams tallied 16 disposals, 13 hitouts-to-advantage, seven marks, two goals and 133 points in his final WAFL appearance last year.
Phantom’s final verdict: Looks set to now play a bigger role than many others at this price – in any KFC SuperCoach position – but it still might not be enough.
5. Sam Hayes (Port) $123,900
AAMI Series score: 36
Heading into his fifth year on Port Adelaide’s list, the young ruckman looks set to finally get his chance in the wake of Peter Ladhams’ departure and an standout pre-season. The 22-year-old has impressed the Power’s new ruck coach Matthew Lobbe over summer after averaging 14 disposals, 10 hitouts-to-advantage, five marks, five score involvements and 100 KFC SuperCoach points in 18 SANFL games last year. The highly-rated Hayes, who averaged 116 points in the NAB League during his draft year, missed Port’s intra-club with a sore achilles and forward recruit Jeremy Finlayson has also shown his ability to give Lycett a chop-out in the ruck.
Phantom’s final verdict:The news of Finlayson’s emergence as a back-up ruck option isn’t what KFC SuperCoaches want to hear. Hayes is likely to make money at some stage in 2022, but Port has all but confirmed that won’t be in Round 1.
MIDFIELDERS
1. Jason Horne-Francis (NM) $207,300
AAMI Series score: 87
In early February, North Melbourne coach David Noble said Horne-Francis is “not in the team just yet, but he’s certainly in the mix”. David, please. The No. 1 pick dominated match sim two days later and averaged 16 disposals, nine contested possessions and 88 KFC SuperCoach points, while also booting 15 goals, in 20 SANFL League matches last season. Truth is, after mixing it with the bigger bodies for the past 18 months and keeping South Adelaide in a preliminary final with 24 disposals, three goals and 160 points, Horne-Francis could’ve been in the team last year.
Phantom’s final verdict:Will spend plenty of time forward, but as he proved again in the AAMI Series, IT DOESN’T MATTER. No, I didn’t forget to leave caps lock on. Could have 15 disposals per game and still average 85 points this year. Lock. Next.
2. Nick Daicos (Coll) $193,800
AAMI Series score: 100
Daicos has been rotating through the midfield and half-back with skipper Scott Pendlebury during Collingwood match sim. As the pair then showed in the official intra-club, it’s a match made in decision-making – and KFC SuperCoach – heaven. Like Horne-Francis, Daicos, who posted scores of 177, 166, 145, 169 and 138 in his five NAB League games last year, has been ready for AFL footy for a while. “He’s an elite decision-maker and he’s an elite kick… he sees things that others don’t,” Magpies coach Craig McRae said recently.
Phantom’s final verdict: Worth the top-end rookie price tag, even alongside Horne-Francis. They both could get DPP at some stage, too. Had 31 disposals across half-back in the AAMI Series to confirm his position here.
3. Dylan Stephens (Syd) $167,800
AAMI Series score: 63
The skilful midfielder was in and out of the Sydney side last year, robbing him of any sort of consistent opportunity. But with Jordan Dawson moving to the Crows, there’s a vacant spot on the wing and the left-footer, who is heading into his third season at the club, looks set to be the one to benefit after a standout summer. He was at the front of the running group again and has impressed through the midfield during the Swans’ match sim sessions. Stephens averaged 104 KFC SuperCoach points in eight VFL games in 2021 and 82 points at SANFL level as a 17-year-old before he was drafted.
Phantom’s final verdict: Ticks more boxes than some draftees and provides plenty of value at that price in his third season. Had 20 disposals in the AAMI Series, playing an outside role. M8 for me.
4. Josh Ward (Haw) $180,300
AAMI Series score: 46
In a developing engine room, Hawthorn’s top pick could feature early in his debut season. The midfielder, in the mould of Essendon star Zach Merrett, starred during an early Hawks intra-club hitout, featuring at centre bounces and impressing with his run. Ward finished the NAB League season with scores of 136, 124, 174 and 140 and, in a performance which highlights his multiple avenues of scoring, tallied 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, eight clearances, eight tackles, five intercepts and five score involvements in the final game of the year.
Phantom’s final verdict: Exploded in the AAMI Series, recording a game-high 19 contested possessions and team-high 124 points against the Tigers. Yes, Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara were out but he should still get midfield minutes. That, along with his scoring power, put him at No. 4, despite yet another elevated price tag. It might be the year to go expensive on the bench.
5. Brady Hough (WC) $117,300
AAMI Series score: 47
The hard-running utility’s composure and foot skills caught the eye of many during his draft year and it’s been a similar story during his first pre-season at the Eagles. Hough tallied 114 KFC SuperCoach points in his senior WAFL debut last year and is equally as effective marking on the lead as a high half-forward as he is finding a target inside-50 himself.
Phantom’s Post-AAMI Series verdict: As the Eagles injury list grew, the lightly-built Hough went from one for the future to Round 1 debutant, after a composed, eight-mark AAMI Series display across half-back. The space at Optus Stadium will suit him and he’s my pick in the $117k price bracket for the bench. Should get a good run at it.
6. Jackson Mead (Port) $123,900
AAMI Series score: 24
Mead was pressing for a debut last season before he collapsed during a SANFL game and missed 12 weeks with a lacerated spleen. But the left-footer finished the year strongly at state league level, tallying 27 disposals and six clearances through the midfield in Round 15, before showing his versatility behind the ball, recording 15 intercepts and scores of 107 and 93 in the final two rounds. The 20-year-old is also strong overhead and can play forward but a fully-fit Mead, who averaged 106 points for his state during his draft year as onballer, has caught the eye with Port Adelaide’s midfield group over summer – his clean hands in particular.
Phantom’s final verdict: Would add more skill and another layer to Port Adelaide’s midfield, and that’s why I didn’t write him off, despite having little impact in the AAMI Series. Has been named to debut, even with Robbie Gray - who was battling a hamstring issue - in the line up. After Ken Hinkley went with Mead over Jed McEntee, I’ll be picking the father-son gun on my bench.
7. Connor MacDonald (Haw) $117,300
AAMI Series score: 46
After posting KFC SuperCoach scores of 135, 162, 115 and 178 in his four NAB League games last year, the tough ball-winner has hit the ground running during his first season at the Hawks. The hard-working MacDonald tallied 16 disposals, eight contested possessions and booted a goal in the AAMI Series, playing across half-forward, and has impressed many at Hawthorn over summer.
Phantom’s final verdict:Right there with Hough as the bestof a very small group of $117k midfield rookies that will play in Round 1. Knows how to find the footy and looms as a popular bench pick.
8. Angus Sheldrick (Syd) $130,800
AAMI Series score: Dnp
Sheldrick’s SuperCoach potential was on full display in the WAFL Colts last season, where he averaged a huge 152 points KFC SuperCoach points. The strong-bodied ball-winner won 63 per cent of his possessions in a contest and averaged a goal per game, closing out the season with scores of 176, 144 and 164 during the finals. A surprise Round 1 debutant, but he’s likely to play a small-forward role early in his career.
Phantom’s final verdict:Plays a very KFC SuperCoach-friendly game, and has the body and competitiveness to make the step up right away. But don’t expect those big numbers from the outset – I think the three above him here could win more footy.
9. Mitch Owens (StK) $117,300
AAMI Series score: 39
Owens’ rapid development last year saw him shoot up significantly in his draft year – both in height and ability. The 190cm midfielder posted KFC SuperCoach tons in his final three NAB League games – two of which exceeded 120. His overhead marking and size could add something different for the Saints up forward or through the middle in 2022. Showed promise in a quarter of game time in the AAMI Series, scoring 39 points from four disposals, including three clearances.
Phantom’s final verdict: Injuries to Hunter Clark and Jack Billings have resulted in a surprise Round 1 debut, after an encouraging midfield performance in the pre-season game. Might not need to win a lot of footy to post a solid score, but I’ve got him just down the pecking order.
10. Jake Soligo (Adel) $117,300
AAMI Series score: 45
Pick 36 from last year’s draft has flown under the KFC SuperCoach radar this summer, hiding in the shadow of Josh Rachele. But he’s impressed the right people at West Lakes and has featured on a wing in Adelaide’s practice matches. 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.
Phantom’s final verdict:Soligo had nine disposals, three tackles and a goal against the Power and will make his debut against the Dockers in Round 1. Scoring could be a concern, but he’s in.
NEXT IN LINE: Alex Davies (GC) $202,500
AAMI Series score: 53
Gold Coast has a Hugh Greenwood replacement waiting in its wings. Davies, a 191cm midfielder, is a contested-ball star, who hunts the body when he doesn’t get his hands on it first, like Greenwood did during his time at the Suns. On debut in the final round last season, Davies won 14 of his 17 possessions in a contest and applied six tackles, on his way to 62 KFC SuperCoach points. In his final four VFL matches before the season was called off, the 19-year-old Suns Academy graduate averaged 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles and 111 KFC SuperCoach points.
Phantom’s final verdict:The young midfielder booted two goals in the practice match and then, again, spent plenty of time forward in the AAMI Series clash with the Cats. But he still finished with 11 disposals, 10 contested possessions and six tackles. As a full-time mid he could be explode, but he could still be a nice point-of-difference anyway.
DEFENDERS
1. Mitch Hinge (Adel) $180,900
AAMI Series score: 64
The former Lion is a bit of a forgotten man in KFC SuperCoach, but he’s lined up mainly on a wing in Adelaide’s best side over the pre-season. He made his club debut in the opening round against the Cats last year but dislocated his shoulder multiple times, finishing with 31 points in 44 per cent game-time. In his last full game, playing for Brisbane against the Swans in 2020, Hinge tallied 102 points. Not getting a lot of love in KFC SuperCoach circles at the minute but that’s a different story at West Lakes. Last year’s starting price of $328k was off-putting but $180k is far more appealing, especially with a lack of solid rookie options
Phantom’s final verdict: Scored 48 KFC SuperCoach points in the first half against the Power, before coming off with what appeared to be a shoulder issue. Thankfully, he went back on and looks like our on-field rookie saviour in defence after his place in Adelaide’s Round 1 side was confirmed on Wednesday.
2. Sam De Koning (Geel) $123,900, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 92
It appears the Cats want to get games into the 200cm big man, who’s bulked up considerably this summer. De Koning played a key role in defence in each of Geelong’s practice games and was terrific in the air. And, as the AAMI Series game against the Suns proved, the versatile De Koning is also very reliable with the ball in hand.
Phantom’s final verdict: Might not get 19 disposals and 92 KFC SuperCoach points every week with Tom Stewart back in the side but De Koning looks comfortable in Geelong’s back-six and his height and athleticism means he can impact contests regularly. Finally, a bench lock in defence, after Geelong said he will play on Wednesday.
3. Paddy McCartin (Syd) $157,800, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 74
McCartin, the player the Saints took with pick 1 in the 2014 draft, is back in the AFL and, surprisingly, back in the KFC SuperCoach mix. In fact, as an intercept defender in a very shallow rookie pool, he’s more than just in the mix. The 25-year-old, who played as a forward at St Kilda, tallied 27 disposals, 11 disposals, 11 marks and seven intercepts in his new role against the Bulldogs in the VFL last year, and has impressed down back for Sydney during the pre-season.
Phantom’s final verdict: Yes, I wasn’t expecting McCartin to sit at No. 3 either, but that’s the year we are facing. What else can we be sure on? McCartin had 14 disposals and seven marks in another strong showing against the Kangaroos, proving he can get his hands on the ball in space, as well as win it back off the opposition in the air. The concussion history is the concern.
4. Denver Grainger-Barras (Haw) $206,700
AAMI Series score: 35
Phantom’s final verdict: Averaged just 42 points from five games last season and, despite boasting a solid intercept game which he showcased in his draft year, he’s unlikely to be the man to play the KFC SuperCoach-friendly role in Hawthorn’s back six. But there isn’t much else around, in terms of rookie defenders who are actually playing, if you get really stuck.
5. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (StK) $162,300, MID
AAMI Series score: 28
There was a few knocks on the contested side of Wanganeen-Milera’s game but he more than held his own in four SANFL League games and 13 reserves appearances in his draft year. When you use the ball as well as he does, you don’t need to be winning it at the coal face, anyway. And with St Kilda’s strong on-ball unit, Wanganeen-Milera could feature on the outside right away, given the Saints’ need for better foot skills going inside 50.
Phantom’s final verdict: Despite an interrupted first pre-season, Wanganeen-Milera showed off his class in the second half against the Bombers in the AAMI Series, and should produce solid numbers when he gets his chance. Was hoping he’d be a surprise Round 1 debutant, which he still could be, but as the medical sub.
6. Non-scoring loophole
I plan to select a non-playing player for loophole purposes at D8. We’re close to not having a lot of choice, anyway. For those new to the strategy, it gives me a ‘zero’ to use if my VC scores well early in the round and it also allows me better opportunity to get the best rookie score on field, between Hinge, McCartin and De Koning most weeks. For me, it will be Gold Coast’s Bodhi Uwland, with the Suns playing later in most rounds to start the season - well after Jack Macrae anyway.
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