KFC SuperCoach 2021: Recruiting expert Gary Buckenara rates the top rookie picks
Recruiting guru Gary Buckenara knows which AFL youngsters are ready to have an immediate impact. He names the cheapies you should consider for your team.
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Teenagers entering the AFL system have never had it tougher.
A COVID-interrupted 2020 denied many the chance to press their draft claims, while others already in the system were thrown to the wolves last year in a footy frenzy that put new demands on all players.
That creates extra challenges when looking for bottom-priced players in KFC SuperCoach this year. But if you dig hard enough there is lots of rookie gold to be found.
Recruiting guru Gary Buckenara has been watching the next generation of AFL talent closely for years. Here are the players on his watch list for 2021, plus a few mature-agers who could get a chance at a bargain price.
DEFENDERS
WILL GOULD (Syd) $123,000 DEF
We expected Gould to be one of the cash cows of the year last year but he didn’t play a game and that means he’s very cheap again. His kicking is his weapon and I think he’s a player the Swans will look to get the ball into his hands at every opportunity across half-back because of that kicking ability. He’s a lock – now he just needs to feature in the practice matches.
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JACOB WEHR (GWS) $117,300 DEF
The mature-age running defender should be ready to step straight into AFL level after playing against senior bodies in the SANFL. With Heath Shaw and Zac Williams gone, there’s a spot across half-back he can make his own. Pencil him in for now, then lock him in if he’s named for Round 1. Watch this space.
FISCHER McASEY (Adel) $199,300 DEF/FWD
McAsey got a taste of it last year, and with the Crows regenerating their list you can expect him to probably play a key defensive role. He’s a good intercept mark, kicks the ball pretty well and is likely to get a lot more games this year than he did last year because they need to get games into him. Watch his form in Adelaide’s practice matches to see his scoring potential but by all reports he’s had a good pre-season and I think he’s a good option – although he’s a little expensive.
DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS (Haw) $184,800 DEF
I like this kid. Given Hawthorn has lost Ben Stratton and James Frawley and James Sicily will miss most, if not all season with a torn ACL, Grainger-Barras could get plenty of opportunities. He needs to put on some muscle but he’s competitive and I like the way he goes about his footy. Hawthorn needs to fast-track some of these younger players and Grainger-Barras should be at the top of the list. He could fill Sicily’s role as an intercept marker because he reads the ball in flight very well. Look out for his practice match scores and his name in Round 1.
LACHIE JONES (PA) $139,800 DEF
By all reports Jones has been impressive in the pre-season but it’s a tough Port Adelaide team to break into. He’s a good kick and makes good decisions but will he play consistently? Keep him in mind but if he doesn’t get a gig in Round 1 then look elsewhere as job security is an issue.
ISIAH WINDER (WCE) $117,300 DEF/MID
Winder is a guy who can play just about anywhere – as a smallish forward or a high half-forward, go into the midfield or even across half-back because he’s super quick and he’s very athletic. It might be hard for him to break into that West Coast team but he’s got a lot of talent and if the Eagles look to play Liam Ryan further up the ground, Winder could be one who gets an opportunity. Winder is a bit like Ryan because he’s quick, can jump, is quite tall, kicks the ball well and has an all-round athletic ability. There’s a bit of magic about him. Keep him in mind, he could be a mid-season downgrade option.
LIAM STOCKER (Carl) $186,500 DEF
Stocker has been around for a few years now and hasn’t quite grabbed his chance yet but Carlton need to find out if he can play at the level. He’s got talent but he needs to believe he belongs. I like him as an inside midfielder but he can also play down back, so there’s a couple of potential roles there. If the penny drops, then I think he can be a solid scorer because he finds the footy and uses it well. He could burst onto the scene.
BAILEY LAURIE (Melb) $117,300 DEF/MID
Over the last few years the Demons have played their early draftees from the get-go and Laurie could be the one who gets opportunities this year. He’s a utility in my view because he can play anywhere and utilities are always players I say to keep in mind in SuperCoach. Melbourne is in an interesting phase – I think many spots are up for grabs. Look for him in the practice matches.
MATTHEW LING (Syd) $163,000 DEF
The Swans speedster has been on my radar for three years in a row now and I think 2021 is his year. He got some games last year but John Longmire needs to play him consistently to find out if he can play at the level. He didn’t look out of place and is a guy who brings exceptional speed across half-back, as an outside midfielder or as a high half-forward, he’s exactly the type of player Sydney is crying out for. If the penny drops, he can cement his spot and become a solid scoring player.
TOM HIGHMORE (STK) $117,300 DEF
The Saints have a couple of injuries down back with Jarryn Geary and Ben Paton, while Dylan Roberton is taking time away from the game for his health, so Highmore could get a look in early. He’s a mature-age pick-up and like Callum Wilkie before him, could prove a very valuable recruit not only for the Saints but for SuperCoaches.
PATRICK AMBROSE (ESS) $217,800 DEF
Ambrose is returning from a lisfranc injury that derailed his season last year but he’s one to keep in the back of your mind. Cheapies in defence were a real problem last year and with limited options at this stage again, if he can get himself fit we know he’ll play games and at least be a scoring player for your bench. Could also return to the forward line in 2021.
TYSON GOLDSACK (PA) $182,000 DEF
Goldsack is one to watch. The Power have brought him out of retirement for a reason and he’s one of those versatile players who can just about play anywhere, and that’s very handy in SuperCoach. With the retirement of Justin Westhoff, Goldsack is the perfect replacement because he can play back, forward and even on the wing. Don’t overlook him, especially if he’s picked early. He’s always averaged in the 60s and at $182,000, they’re handy points.
MIDFIELDERS
PADDY DOW (CARL) $202,400 MID/FWD
It’s about time Paddy Dow starts to perform and 2021 is the year. He’s got talent and with a stronger midfield around him now, the pressure will be off him somewhat so he can play his more natural game as a ball hunter and distributor. At $202,400 he’s still cheap and worth a gamble if he plays in Round 1. High risk but potentially a high-reward selection.
NAKIA COCKATOO (BL) $123,900 MID/FWD
The Lions say Cockatoo is flying and is on track to play in Round 1 and if that’s the case then lock him into your team and throw away the key. He’s an explosive player, has dual-position status and we know he finds the footy both inside and outside and kicks goals. He’s the complete package as a KFC SuperCoach pick. Lock him in.
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ELY SMITH (BL) $123,900 MID/FWD
Smith has been on my radar for the last couple of years. He’s athletically very good, he’s a lovely kick and I think he’ll get some looks this year because the Lions need to expose him at the level. The way he plays, he’ll definitely find the footy and if he gets regular games, then I think he’ll be a great cash and point earner.
FINN MAGINNESS (HAW) $195,600 MID
Maginness got a taste of senior footy towards the end of last season and I’d love to see Clarko play him in Isaac Smith’s wing role. He’s got a big engine, is a reasonable kick and will just run all day. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t play Round 1. At $195,600 he’s not as cheap as other rookies — see how he goes in the practice matches.
LOCHIE O’BRIEN (CARL) $180,500 MID
O’Brien is another one who’s promised a lot as an early draft pick but is yet to deliver. He needs to stand up now and grab his opportunity and I think he can. He’s a player the Blues need to put time into – give him games consistently in a team that is going to challenge. He could very well take advantage of having better players around him. Don’t overlook him if he gets a gig in Round 1 – the Blues have talked up his pre-season and he’s one you should be seriously looking at.
FINLAY MACRAE (COLL) $126,300 MID/FWD
There are spots available at Collingwood after the departures of Adam Treloar, Jaidyn Stephenson and Tom Phillips and I think Macrae will get games. He’s like his brother Jack – he finds the footy and uses it well and we know how good a SuperCoach player Jack Macrae is. Pencil him into your team for now then lock him in if he’s picked in Round 1.
ELIJAH HOLLANDS (GC) $180,300 MID/FWD
Hollands is still on the comeback trail from a torn ACL so don’t start with him. Keep him in the back of your mind as a mid-season downgrade option – he says he’ll be ready around April/May, but I think July is more likely.
DEVEN ROBERTSON (BL) $176,800 MID
Didn’t get much of an opportunity last year in a very strong Brisbane team but I think Chris Fagan will want to give him opportunities this year. At $176,800 it’s a high price but he’s a good accumulator of the footy, uses it well and can play midfield or half-back. He’s good enough to cement his spot. Have him on your watch list.
MARK HUTCHINGS (WCE) $157,600 MID/FWD
In his first year back in 2013 Hutchings averaged 89.9 SuperCoach points then averaged just over 70 points per game from 2014-16. His average has dropped since then — it was just 29.3 from three games last year — but if he’s fit he should get a regular game for the Eagles and even though he’s a tagger, he does find the footy himself. Could be a handy bench player – watch where he plays in the pre-season matches.
WILL PHILLIPS (NM) $198,300 MID
North Melbourne will play their kids this year so I think Phillips will get plenty of opportunities to show why he was such a high draft pick. He’s one of the more expensive youngsters at $198,300 so watch closely where he plays in the practice matches to gauge his scoring potential. He’s a quality player who I believe can score well because he uses the ball very well and makes good decisions.
LUKE VALENTE (FREM) $123,900 MID
Valente has been around for a few years and Justin Longmuir recently talked up his pre-season, so 2021 could be the year he finally gets his chance. Pencil him in on your bench because he’s been in the system for a few years and I think when he does get his chance he’ll be a good point-scorer and be a nice cash generator. He’s got a solid body and he’s just a real footballer.
TOM POWELL (NM) $153,300 MID
Powell is a Lachie Neale clone and while his kicking does need to improve a little bit, he finds a lot of the ball. North Melbourne need to play the kids and I think Powell will get opportunities and I think he’ll be a nice pick. Make sure he’s picked in Round 1 before locking him in, but I like him and he’s in my team at the moment.
ARCHIE PERKINS (ESS) $171,300 MID/FWD
Essendon has talked him up big time and he’s a talented player, there’s no doubt about it. The Bombers are in a regeneration phase and I think they’ll look to inject speed into the side and Perkins definite brings that. It’s a big ask to come in and play straight away but watch him closely if he’s picked for the practice matches and then make a call. I think he can be a good scorer because nothing phases him and he should slot into AFL level.
BRAEDEN CAMPBELL (SYD) $189,300 MID/FWD
Historically the Swans have played their highly-rated Academy players (think Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills) from Round 1 and I expect Campbell will be the same. There’s big wraps on him – he has that outside pace the Swans need, he’s a good user of the footy and while he’s on the more expensive side for a youngster, he’s a lock for me.
CONNOR DOWNIE (HAW) $117,300 MID
Downie is the type of player Hawthorn needs to play. I’d love to see Finn Maginness on one wing and Connor Downie on the other. He’ll win plenty of the footy and he’s a good runner so watch him very closely if he gets a go in the practice matches. I like him a lot and think he can be a reliable scorer.
JACKSON MEAD (PA) $123,900 MID
Mead is a Ben Cunnington type and while it will be a hard midfield to break into, I think the Power will be keen to get him in at some stage. He always looks composed and like he belongs and I expect him to do the same at AFL level. Watch him closely if he gets a run in the practice matches.
FORWARDS
JARMAN IMPEY (HAW) $212,800 FWD
Impey will play in a number of roles and you just can’t pass up a guy who is experienced, a lock in the best 22 and available for just $212,800. Lock him in. No-brainer.
JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN (WB) $207,300 FWD
I’d be stunned if the Dogs don’t play Ugle-Hagan in Round 1 providing he’s fit, but is he a lock in SuperCoach? I’m not convinced. His scoring could be inconsistent, especially if he plays in a forward role, so watch him closely in the practice matches to see where he’s being used. He’s a huge talent obviously but at $207,300 I’ve got some hesitation.
LIAM HENRY (FREM) $184,500 FWD
Henry is a really exciting talent who should get more opportunities in his second year at Fremantle after showing good signs last year. He can be a Liam Ryan-type forward and go into the midfield, but I think his scoring will be inconsistent. At $184,500 I think there are better options and at a cheaper price but he’s one to watch.
COREY DURDIN (CARL) $117,300 FWD/MID
A mature-age small forward out of the SANFL, I think there’s a role for Durdin in the Carlton team and with dual-position status as a MID/FWD, he’s currently in my team. He should get opportunities in the practice matches and if he nails them, then I think he’ll play Round 1. Pencil him in.
NED McHENRY (ADEL) $212,900 FWD/MID
Most expected McHenry to have a breakout season last year and be a really solid SuperCoach cheapie, but that didn’t quite pan out. He should get more opportunities this year and hopefully he can grab them but I’ve got reservations about picking him in SuperCoach, especially at $212,900.
CODY WEIGHTMAN (WB) $173,700 FWD
Weightman is flying under the radar a bit but I think he’ll be a best 22 player this year. The Dogs need a dynamic small forward and after getting a taste of senior footy last year, he can take a big step this year with a full pre-season under his belt. He can also play in the midfield because he finds the footy, uses it well and makes smart decisions. The Dogs need a player like him in their structure.
JAMES ROWE (ADEL) $117,300 FWD
The Crows say Rowe is ready to play from Round 1 and I’m not surprised because he’s a real professional and hungry to show what he can do after being overlooked in three drafts. He’s played at a good standard in the SANFL and is a very good kick, he kicks goals and rarely wastes on opportunity. He won’t be overawed and could be a good scorer.
ISAAC CHUGG (COLL) $102,400 FWD/DEF
Chugg is a bolter who could play early on after impressing in the pre-season. He’s a rookie but by all reports he’s been a standout on the training track with his ball use, and given Collingwood struggled to move the ball efficiently last year, he could get an early opportunity. At $102,400 you can’t go past him if he’s picked in Round 1 but watch him closely in the practice matches first.
NIK COX (ESS) $175,800 FWD/DEF
Cox turned heads by winning Essendon’s 2km time-trial, but we know big guys are inconsistent in SuperCoach so there are better options out there and for a cheaper price.
WILL KELLY (COLL) $135,400 FWD
The Pies really like Kelly and there is the expectation he’ll be a key feature of the forward line in 2021. He’s got a really bright future but his SuperCoach scoring will be inconsistent. Pass.
PHOENIX SPICER (NM) $117,300 MID/FWD
Spicer has been really exciting over the pre-season and the Kangaroos are desperate for a dynamic small forward, so I think he’ll get early opportunities. He’s small but very quick and agile and could become a bit of a cult hero because he’s electric. Scoring will likely be inconsistent though.
JACK PETRUCCELLE (WCE) $217,100 FWD
Petruccelle will cost you a bit more but I think he’s got scoring potential because he’s such an electric player and when fit, he’s a guy Adam Simpson will want in his team. He’s in his fourth year now and could be ready to explode. Has had a hamstring hiccup so keep an eye on that.
RUCKS
MATTHEW FLYNN (GWS) $123,900 RUC
Flynn has rocketed into SuperCoach calculations after the long-term injury to Braydon Preuss and after six years on the GWS list without playing a game, his time has come. He’s likely to be GWS’s No.1 ruckman, barring any injury, and that means he’s a perfect bench option – or a ruck starter if you like to live more dangerously. He’s actually very athletic, runs well and will get a bit of the footy around the ground so should be a decent scorer because he reads the play really well and is quite skilful. Lock him in.
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RILEY THILTHORPE (ADEL) $202,800 RUC/FWD
Thilthorpe should get opportunities early and after playing SANFL last year he’s had experience playing against bigger bodies, which will hold him in good stead. His RUC/FWD dual position status is handy but his price is a bit of a turn-off. Watch his scoring potential in the practice matches.
CALLUM COLEMAN-JONES (Rich) $161,200 RUC/FWD
Richmond has earmarked him as a player of the future and with Ivan Soldo out with an ACL, 2021 could be the year we finally get to see him. He has four games to serve on his ban for breaking COVID protocols last year but I don’t think it will be long before we see him after that. The suspension makes it tough to start with him, so could be a downgrade option at some stage if you’re someone with a RUC/FWD swing.
JOSH TREACY (FREM) $102,400 RUC
Some might have earmarked Treacy as the ruck bench captaincy loophole player, but after booting three goals in a recent intra-club game, the Dockers big man could get senior opportunities. He’s been categorised as a ruckman in SuperCoach but he’s actually a key forward and we know Fremantle’s forward line isn’t locked in. Watch this space, especially given Matt Taberner has been battling a quad injury.
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