SuperCoach 2017: The Phantom’s bolters in defence from week one of the JLT Series

WHO should we be drafting into our SuperCoach team after week one of the JLT Series? The Phantom nominates 10 defenders who need to be on the watchlist.

Geelong recruit Zach Tuohy.

WHO should we be drafting into our SuperCoach team after week one of the JLT Series?

It’s dangerous to jump early based on one pre-season performance but The Phantom was watching very closely and saw a lot to like in defence.

Here are 10 names to add to your watchlist.

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Zach Tuohy slotted straight into Geelong’s defence.

Zach Touhy (Geelong) $443,200

Enright out, Tuohy in. They are some big shoes to fill but the former Blue made a tremendous start, finishing with 33 disposals — at 87 per cent efficiency — seven marks and 130 SuperCoach points in his first appearance as a Cat. Just remember, the rebounding defender has never averaged more than 81 points in six seasons.

Tom Stewart (Geelong) $117,300

The mature-age recruit, who has been a standout on the training track over summer, further enhanced his chances of a Round 1 debut with 85 SuperCoach points against the Hawks. The strong-marking defender registered 16 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and five intercept possessions — a hallmark of his game in the VFL last year.

Zach Guthrie (Geelong) $102,400

Bargain alert. The rookie-listed Guthrie, younger brother of Cam, showed he has got what it takes to make it at the level after picking up 24 disposals — 20 of them handballs — nine contested possessions and 91 points. And Guthrie, who won a game-high nine intercept possessions, spent only 68 per cent of the game on the ground.

Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast) $344,000

In the absence of a number of first-choice stars, Wellingham lead the Eagles midfield, finishing with 28 disposals, nine marks and 110 SuperCoach points. Monitor his progress but he’s unlikely to have a similar impact when Priddis, Shuey and Co return.

Oscar McDonald (Melbourne) $375,000

There has been a fair bit of talk about Tom McDonald throughout the pre-season but it was younger brother Oscar who impressed in the Demons’ first JLT Series match. The 20-year-old, who averaged 84 over the final five rounds of 2016, scored 92 points, on the back of 19 disposals — at 84 per cent efficiency — and nine marks.

Oscar McDonald has emerged as another Demon SuperCoach option. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Bernie Vince (Melbourne) $501,100

Vince’s continued presence across half-back is important for not only the Demons, but, given his new DPP status, for SuperCoaches. The sublimely-skilled right-footer controlled the Melbourne defence, finishing with 26 disposals and 97 points.

Callum Mills (Sydney) $420,000

With Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker all seemingly in second gear, the 19-year-old starred for the Swans through the midfield, collecting 29 disposals — 23 of them kicks — eight marks, nine contested possessions and 111 SuperCoach points, in a showing that should see him spend time further up the ground 2017.

Callum Mills pushes himself hard over pre-season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Ed Vickers-Willis should get a lot more opportunities this year. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano

Nic Newman (Sydney) $123,900

The 24-year-old, neat-kicking defender is pushing hard for a senior spot and his performance against the Kangaroos would have done his chances no harm. Newman, who played across half-back as teammate Mills pushed up into the midfield, won 19 possessions — six contested — to finish with 78 points.

Ed Vickers-Willis (North Melbourne) $123,900

The 190cm defender, who was a close to a debut in the second-half of 2016, was impressive in the Kangaroos’ first hitout, spending time on Sydney captain Josh Kennedy, who started forward. The 20-year-old hit the target with 16 of his 19 disposals to finish with 88 points in an encouraging first-up display.

Vickers-Willis looks composed in defence. Strong chance to play early, 16 of 19 disposals effective. Hrovat 14 of 17 effective and two gls.

— Fantasy Freako (@FantasyFreako) February 19, 2017

Kade Kolodjashnij (Gold Coast) $375,400

The rebounding defender had a year to forget in 2016 but sent a subtle reminder of just how good he can be against the Lions. The 21-year-old registered 19 disposals — at an elite 94 per cent efficiency — eight contested possessions, one goal and 92 SuperCoach points from half-back.