SuperCoach AFL cash cow bible: All the rookies you need to know for 2019 ahead of Round 1

Selection news has started to drop - which cheap SuperCoach players will feature early? And who will score points ? Don't lock in your team without reading these detailed profiles of more than 50 bottom-priced players.

Carlton has announced the news we've all been waiting for.

No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh - the most popular player in SuperCoach - will make his debut on Thursday night against Richmond.

And he'll be joined by former Giant Will Setterfield and bargain former VFL bolter Michael Gibbons.

Port Adelaide has also confirmed it will have four teenage debutants against Melbourne in Round 1, including popular SuperCoach selections Zak Butters, Xavier Duursma and Willem Drew.

Who else will make the cut - and who will score points for your team? We've analysed under-18 games, draft notes and pre-season form to get the best run-down on all the cheap options for your SuperCoach side.

Scroll down to see more than 50 profiles of the SuperCoach cheapie class of 2019.

ANALYSIS: SUPERCOACH ROOKIE PRICE PROJECTIONS

WHO'S IN? ROUND 1 SELECTION WHISPERS

RECRUITING GURU: GARY BUCKENARA'S TOP SUPERCOACH ROOKIES

THE PHANTOM: TOP MIDFIELD CASH COWS

PRE-SESASON: EVERY JLT SERIES SUPERCOACH SCORE

EXPERT: AL PATON REVEALS HIS SUPERCOACH SQUAD

DEFENDERS

Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $189,300 Def-Fwd

The No.5 draft pick is lightly-framed but the Power are looking to inject more speed into the midfield following the loss of Jared Polec and Chad Wingard, and Rozee brings just that. He’s had experience playing against senior bodies in the SANFL, which will hold him in good stead as he pushes for a Round 1 debut. He’s also known for his tackling and aggression, two characteristics that should see him in the selection mix. Rozee played in both of Port's JLT games and didn't set the world on fire, scoring 41 and 44. Ken Hinkley has confirmed he will play in Round 1 but you can probably find better options at a cheaper price.

Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood) $153,300, Def

Collingwood’s first-round draft pick has been likened to Bulldog Jason Johannisen for his speed and ability to take the game on, and many believe he’s ready to step into the senior team should an opportunity arise. With an ASADA drug ban hanging over Sam Murray, the Pies need a small rebounding defender and Quaynor definitely fits the bill. He averaged 419m gained in the under-18 championships, ranked No.2 in the competition and was rated elite for contested possessions. In his first official game in the black and white, Quaynor collected 12 disposals in 66 minutes to go with two marks and two tackles, but he was overlooked for the Pies' second JLT game which isn't a great sign for his Round 1 prospects. 

Collingwood young gun Isaac Quaynor.

Sam Collins (Gold Coast) $188,900, Def

During his first stint in the AFL Collins put up some good scores for Fremantle in 2016-17 (including a 126 against Collingwood) before being delisted by the Dockers after just 14 matches. The 24-year-old gets another chance, this time at the Suns, after an outstanding season in the VFL where he led the league for total marks and contested marks. He cracked 93 in Gold Coast’s JLT win over the Bulldogs and while his 52 points against the Swans wasn't as exciting, he looks a safe pick and could be one of the best cash cows of 2019.

Marty Hore (Melbourne) $117,300, Def

Took the second-most marks in the VFL last year (behind Collins) and gets a chance at the Demons at age 22. He is likely to be a back-up for first-choice backmen Steven May and Jake Lever but the Dees chopped and changed their defence a fair bit last season. Hore played in both of Melbourne’s JLT matches and finished with 57 and 69 points, which is enough for a bench player in our SuperCoach teams. Currently the 10th most selected player, in almost 35 per cent of teams.

REVEALED: AL PATON’S SUPERCOACH TEAM

QUICK GUIDE: HOW TO PICK A WINNING SUPERCOACH SIDE

EXPERT TIPS: ULTIMATE JLT SERIES SUPERCOACH REVIEW

Chris Burgess (Gold Coast) $123,900 Def-Fwd

The 13th most popular player in SuperCoach (in 33 per cent of teams) is one of the Suns’ three priority mature-age access recruits, along with Sam Collins and forward Josh Corbett. The 22-year-old played as a swingman for West Adelaide last year and has been given dual-position status in SuperCoach. It also doubles his chances of selection after the departure of bookends Tom Lynch and Steven May. Burgess booted 2.2 against the Bulldogs in JLT 1 to finish with 68 SuperCoach points but managed just 15 against Sydney in game two. Alarm bells!

Isaac Cumming (GWS Giants) $173,700, Def

Cumming was on the radar at this time last year but managed just two AFL games in 2018 for modest SuperCoach returns. With another pre-season under his belt and senior players including Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully and Ryan Griffen departing, there are spots available in the Giants’ best 22. He averaged just over 20 disposals per game in the NEAFL, including one 33-disposal and two-goal game. While he won a bit of the ball in JLT 1 (14 disposals, six marks) it didn’t translate to SuperCoach scoring. He finished with just 49 points. He improved with a 63 in game two but there are better options out there.

Justin McInerney (Sydney) $117,300, Def

Two years ago McInerney was playing for Banyule in the Yarra Junior League. After being fast-tracked into the under-18 system he rated elite for marks and above average for disposals, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, intercept possessions and score assists for the Northern Knights in 2018. Had a standout game in the Swans' intra-club but managed just five possessions from 25 per cent game time in JLT1. His JLT2 return was much better - 15 disposals from 70 per cent of game time for 51 SuperCoach points. But it was against Gold Coast. Watch Round 1 teams with interest.

Ben McKay (North Melbourne) $123,900, Def

Injuries in the Kangaroos' backline open the door for the 21st pick in the 2015 draft, who has played just one senior game in three years in the AFL system. His numbers against St Kilda in JLT1 were encouraging - 14 disposals (100 per cent efficiency) and seven marks for 62 SuperCoach points, but his 35 points in game two is evidence of accepted SuperCoach wisdom - young key defenders generally don't score well.

Callum Wilkie (St Kilda) $124,900, Def

Picked up by the Saints in the rookie draft from SANFL club North Adelaide, where he won the best-and-fairest this year as a playmaking defender. The 22-year-old averaged 26 disposals and nine marks a game and could have an immediate impact. However, he had just four touches (26 SuperCoach points) in St Kilda’s win over North and played limited minutes in the Saints' second JLT outing. Scratch him from your Round 1 plans but mark him down as a possible mid-season downgrade target.

INSIDE INFO: SUPERCOACH SCORING EXPLAINED AND HOW TO EXPLOIT IT

GOLDEN RULES: THE 10 SUPERCOACH COMMANDMENTS

EXPERT HELP: SIX WINNING SUPERCOACH STRATEGIES

Jez McLennan (Gold Coast) $117,300, Def

The Suns are expected to give their kids plenty of game time and McLennan is one who could be given an opportunity. At 185cm and 81kg, he’s got a pretty solid body already and plays across half-back, a perfect position for a young player finding his way in the game. He reads the ball very well in flight and is known for his intercept marking, an area Gold Coast is lacking down back. Unsighted in either of Gold Coast's JLT games which makes him a long shot for Round 1 selection.

Oleg Markov (Richmond) $158,000, Def

The Tigers have big raps on Markov but 2019 is surely a make or break year for him. It will be his fourth season at Richmond and there is an opportunity to claim a spot in the team after the departure of depth players Sam Lloyd, Reece Conca, Corey Ellis and Anthony Miles. Has had a huge pre-season on the track and showed promising signs in two JLT Series appearances, but scores of 55 and 43 may not be enough to guarantee a spot in Richmond's Round 1 side - or our SuperCoach squads.

Harrison Wigg (Gold Coast) $102,400, Def

Wigg had already been picked on the bench in many SuperCoach squads and looked a safe bet as he returned from a year out with an ankle injury. But after a stellar pre-season the former Crow has again fallen victim to his injury curse, rupturing his ACL in match simulation in February. Cross him off the list - until next year.

Jack Scrimshaw (Hawthorn) $149,800, Def

A former No.7 draft pick, Scrimshaw was traded to Hawthorn from Gold Coast during the trade period after never really getting settled in Queensland. The Hawks have a history of turning players from rival clubs into stars and talent doesn’t disappear overnight, so Scrimshaw could be a diamond in the rough. We know coach Alastair Clarkson has given big roles to younger players in the past two years as he regenerates his list for another tilt at a premiership. Scrimshaw had 18 touches, four marks and 68 SuperCoach points in Hawthorn's first JLT game, and improved on that with 78 points against the Tigers. Looks one of the safest bets in defence this year, even if his price is a little off-putting. 

Jordan Clark (Geelong) $144,300, Def

The Cats' top draft pick (No.15 overall) won Western Australia's MVP at the under-18 national championships, leading the comp for metres gained. He looked smart and composed in his JLT Series debut, racking up 21 disposals, nine rebound-50s (No.1 at Geelong) and four inside-50s on his way to 87 SuperCoach points. His didn't quite reach those heights in game two, scoring 67 points, but looks a likely Round 1 starter.

Geelong's top draft pick Jordan Clark.

Harrison Jones (Hawthorn) $123,900, Def

Showed promise as a running defender for the Box Hill Hawks last year but has taken a big leap forward over the pre-season as the Hawks look to inject fresh blood into their line-up. Was one of their better players against Brisbane in JLT1 with 21 disposals and four tackles but missed out when a host of first-choice players returned for JLT2. Might make an impact this year but probably not in the early rounds, which discounts him from SuperCoach calculations.

Joe Atley (Port Adelaide) $123,900, Def

Another of the 2017 draftees to consider, Atley was close to senior selection for the Power in 2018 but didn’t break through for his debut, meaning he’s still a nice price for us. He proved his ball-winning ability by winning 20 or more disposals in most of his SANFL games, finishing with an average of 21.5 in his 10 games. However, we have now had to put him on the shelf until later in the season. Atley suffered a knee injury during the pre-season and could miss the first month of action.

Angus Schumacher (Carlton) $123,900, Def

The Carlton youngster was named at centre half-back in the JLT Series opener against Essendon but only played 13 minutes in the end, failing to collect a disposals but laying two tackles. One to avoid.

Francis Watson (West Coast) $123,900, Def

The Eagles defender was stuck in a long line of key positions players but is a step closer to an AFL debut after the retirement of Eric Mackenzie and an impressive showing in the JLT 1 win over Geelong.  Watson collected 17 disposals, took three marks and laid a staggering 10 tackles to finish with 76 SuperCoach points, but he was a late out against Fremantle which robbed us of a chance to really assess his value.

Xavier Duursma (Port Adelaide) $130,800, Def/Mid

The fourth-highest scoring player in the TAC Cup last season, averaging 23 disposals a game and the only midfielder to rate elite for intercept possessions, score involvements and goals. Jumped into calculations with 24 disposals, 11 marks and 78 SuperCoach points against North Melbourne in JLT2 and you can pick him in the midfield or defence. A confirmed starter in Round 1.

Darragh Joyce (St Kilda) $123,900, Def

We have noted that key defenders don't make good SuperCoach picks but Joyce could be a solid bench option for us. The Irishman is a bit older than most draftees (21) and injuries in St Kilda's backline create an opening for on-field responsibility. He looked good against the Bulldogs, collecting 12 disposals, eight marks and 53 SuperCoach points.

MIDFIELDERS

Sam Walsh (Carlton) $207,300, Mid

Normally the No.1 draft pick is overlooked as a cash cow option because their price is steep for an untried player, but Walsh is different. Champion Data described him as one of the most “reliable ball-winners ever seen” after he averaged 29 disposals across 41 matches and at least 23 disposals in all 25 of his TAC Cup matches as both an under-age and top-age player. And it’s only taken one JLT match for that to be proven correct. Walsh was a standout against the Bombers, finishing with 28 touches, four tackles and 102 SuperCoach points, and Carlton's third-highest scorer against Collingwood (96 points). His $200,000 price is high but Walsh is approaching lock status. Brendon Bolton has confirmed he will play against the Tigers on Thursday night. Now the most-popular pick in the game ahead of Patrick Dangerfield.

Sam Walsh in action at Carlton training.

Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne) $197,500, Mid

He was one of the must-have cash cows last season but things didn’t quite go to plan for the No.4 draft pick. Davies-Uniacke was in and out of the North Melbourne side and averaged only 40.4 SuperCoach points per game. With the arrivals of Jared Polec, Aaron Hall and Dom Tyson, he initially looked like a pass. Davies-Uniacke had 27 touches, five tackles in North's JLT opener and looked much more comfortable at the top level, but scored just 57 in game two.

Tarryn Thomas (North Melbourne) $175,800, Mid

The talented Tasmanian is exactly the type of X-factor player the Kangaroos are looking for but will he slot straight into their team for Round 1? He can play forward, midfield or down back but with his natural goal sense, he’ll surely get his opportunity inside forward 50m, while also pushing up the ground. Thomas was used mostly up forward in JLT 1 but struggled to have an impact, and scored 21 points from 68 per cent of game time against Port Adelaide. Needs more time.

Jye Caldwell (GWS Giants) $162,300, Mid

After losing Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully and Ryan Griffen from the midfield, the Giants bolstered their onball brigade with Caldwell at pick No.11 in the draft. He has had some injury troubles but he’s got a strong body already and is looking like a Round 1 lock. The Giants love this kid. He averaged 22 disposals, four clearances and five tackles in his two full TAC Cup games (before injury), which is a great sign. He had 78 points in JLT 1 which put him firmly on the SuperCoach radar, but prospective owners went cold again after just 24 points in game two. 

Zac Williams and Jye Caldwell have a laugh at GWS training.

Michael Gibbons (Carlton) $102,400, Mid

The 23-year-old is one of the most popular players in SuperCoach this year after being added to Carlton's list in February. The dual Liston Trophy winner in the VFL averaged 118 SuperCoach points a game in the state league last year and comes at a bargain-basement price. He was lively against the Bombers but looks like he'll be playing as a small forward which will limit his scoring opportunities. Scored 68 (three goals) and 34 (five kicks) in his two JLT games. Probably won't rocket up in value but will definitely play in Round 1 and should make money on your midfield bench.

STATS SPECIAL: WHY MICHAEL GIBBONS WILL BE A SUPERCOACH STAR

Charlie Constable (Geelong) $123,900, Mid

Constable pushed hard for a senior debut in 2018 but despite his impressive VFL form didn’t get his opportunity. He finished top-10 in the Cats’ VFL best-and-fairest after averaging 24 disposals in his 15 matches, with his best a 34-disposal and one-goal game against eventual premiers Box Hill in Round 21. The tall midfielder will definitely be in the mix to play in Round 1 after an impressive JLT performance against the Eagles. He had 92 SuperCoach points and his ownership has already jumped to 22 per cent. A return of 61 in JLT2 keeps him firmly in the Round 1 frame.

Jackson Hately (GWS Giants) $148,800, Mid

Like Jye Caldwell, Hately will see opportunities for a senior debut early in 2019 and has the added benefit of already having experience against bigger bodies in the SANFL. He averaged 91 SuperCoach points in the SANFL in 2017 and is an elite stoppage player who tackles hard. That was evident in the Giants’ JLT clash against Sydney, with Hately a standout for GWS with 16 disposals, four marks, four tackles and 101 SuperCoach points. He struggled in JLT2 with just 42 points (12 touches) but shoudl still be a solid pick.   

Will Setterfield (Carlton) $144,900 Mid-Fwd

We are getting the former No.5 draft pick at a discount price after playing only two senior games due to injuries while at GWS. But all that looks to be in the rear-view mirror now. Setterfield had 19 touches, eight tackles and 113 SuperCoach points in JLT1 and while his 60 points against the Pies was a bit of a let-down, he still looks like a must-have. Currently in 62 per cent of sides and a confirmed starter in Round 1.

Liam Stocker (Carlton) $126,300, Mid

The Blues pulled off that risky trade with the Crows to secure Stocker, meaning they must see serious potential in him. He’s already strongly built, with a body that appears ready for AFL footy. Stocker won the Morrish Medal as the best under-18 player in the TAC Cup, which ticks another box. Can see him being given opportunities to ply his trade early for Carlton but wasn't selected for either of the Blues' JLT games. Looks like a mid-season downgrade, not a Round 1 starter.

TOP GUNS: MOST POPULAR PICKS AT EVERY CLUB

SUPERCOACH: ARE THESE PLAYERS READY TO EXPLODE IN 2019?

FREE FUN: HOW TO RUN YOUR FIRST SUPERCOACH DRAFT

Zak Butters (Port Adelaide) $157,800, Mid

The best SuperCoach option of Port's three top-20 draft picks after a sparkling display against Adelaide in Port's first JLT game, collecting 25 disposals and five marks for a team-high 91 SuperCoach points. Backed it up with three goals and 82 points in game two against North Melbourne to stamp his name as one of the most promising rookies of 2019.  Rated elite for score involvements and intercept possessions at under-18 level and worth the elevated price. Will play in Round 1.

Matthew Ling (Sydney Swans) $123,900 Mid-Fwd

Put a line through this second year Swan for the time being. He is out indefinitely with a toe injury which also derailed his 2018 season. If he ever gets a clear run at it, he could be a SuperCoach star. Sydney’s head of development, John Blakey told the club’s website: “We drafted him for a purpose — for his run and his talent he showed through his under-18s year. We get him back next year probably looking like a first-year player again because he hasn’t played much football at all. We’ll be really pleased to get him on the park.” Hopefully we see him in the second half of the season.

Riley Collier-Dawkins (Richmond) $121,800, Mid

Richmond's first-round draft pick is a tall midfielder, filling a gap on the club’s list, and Damien Hardwick hasn't been afraid to throw his youngsters in the deep end. The 190cm midfielder had an outstanding TAC Cup finals series for Oakleigh, gathering 20 disposals and kicking a goal in the elimination final, 26 disposals and a goal in the preliminary final and 19 touches with 1.2 in the Grand Final. Nick Vlastuin said Collier-Dawkins was "best on" in match simulation on the Tigers' Queensland training camp in January but had limited impact in Richmond's opening JLT game and wasn't selected for game two. He looks long odds to play Round 1 but is one to keep an eye on throughout the year.

Corey Wagner (Melbourne) $123,900, Mid

The ex-Kangaroo was signed by Melbourne under the new rookie rules. Does that mean coach Simon Goodwin has a specific role in mind? The Demons have a history of plucking mature-age players (Bayley Fritsch, Mitch Hannan) and turning them into significant role players. Is Wagner the next cab off the rank? He has nine disposals and a goal in Melbourne JLT loss to Richmond and didn't play in game two.

Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs) $180,300, Mid

At 185cm and 83kg, Smith is ready for senior footy and he’s exactly the type of player the Bulldogs love. He’s a hard runner who is quick, wins plenty of the ball, uses it well and is clean with his hands in contested situations. He has battled a sore Achilles but is building his fitness in the lead up to Round 1. Was ranked behind only Sam Walsh for disposals in the under-18 carnival and averaged 175 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup. He played half in JLT 1 for nine touches and a goal and scored 41 points in game two. You'll want to see a big spike in the home-and-away season to justify his elevated starting price

Bailey Smith in action at Western Bulldogs training.

Brett Bewley (Fremantle) $117,300, Mid

Recruited from Williamstown, where he averaged 25 disposals a game in 2018 and led the league for effective long kicks. Has been likened to Tom Scully for his running ability. Ross Lyon had success with mature-age recruit Bailey Banfield last year and seems to have taken a liking to the concept. An early tip to be one of this year's most popular cash cows but he wasn't given much time to impress in his first JLT outing, gathering 13 disposals, three marks and four tackles in 39 minutes. It was a similar story in game two, when Bewley was a late inclusion and gathered eight disposals in 41 per cent of game time. Will he play in Round 1? Come on, Ross. 

Luke Valente (Fremantle) $117,300, Mid

The classic draft slider, Valente was tipped as a likely first-round selection on draft night but slipped to pick 32, where he was happily snapped up by the Dockers. The South Australia under-18 captain already has an AFL-ready body was ranked the 10th-best player in the draft by Champion Data and rated elite for intercept possessions and score involvements. Think Tiger Jack Graham. His pre-season has been curtailed by injury which wipes him from our plans.

Will Hayes (Western Bulldogs) $117,300, Mid

The Dogs have a long list of new faces so it’s hard to know what their starting 22 will look like but Hayes is ready to play if needed upon after winning Footscray’s best-and-fairest in the VFL this year. The 23-year-old midfielder averaged 26 disposals and 10 contested possessions a game and finished third in the comp for inside-50s. He played in both of the Bulldogs' the JLT Series matches and finished with 42 and 29 SuperCoach points. At the moment he's a pass.  

Nick Hind (St Kilda) $117,300, Mid

Hind’s match-winning multi-bounce run in the VFL semi-final gave Saints fans, and SuperCoach players, a glimpse of what to look forward to as he dashes off the half-back line in 2019. He averaged 22 disposals, four marks and 87 points a game for Essendon’s VFL side and ranked fourth in the comp for score assists. He is clearly going to be in the mix at St Kilda and got a good run in both JLT games but failed to excite the SuperCoach scorers, registering just 29 points against the Bulldogs on Sunday. A bench option at best.

Luke Foley (West Coast) $117,300, Mid

An older draftee at 19, Foley played in the WA under-18 comp as an over-age player last season and won at least 114 SuperCoach points in all but one game. He was also WA's top-ranked player at the under-18 championships, averaging 138 SuperCoach points and rating elite for tackles, intercept possessions and assists. Can he win a spot in the premier's best 22? We haven't seen him in the JLT Series so the answer lseems to be no, at least not for Round 1

Jack Ross (Richmond) $117,300, Mid

A big-bodied midfielder who missed the under-18 championships last year but won the Oakleigh Chargers best-and-fairest after motoring home, recording 25 or more disposals in five of his last six TAC Cup games. A Ben Cunnington clone who is ready to play straight away and has been turning heads at Punt Rd this pre-season. He did his chances of seeing some senior footy early in the season no harm in the Tigers’ JLT Series win against Melbourne with 21 disposals, but sat out the second half against Hawthorn. Watch the Round 1 teams.

Tom Atkins (Geelong) $112,900, Mid

Is the 23-year-old from the Cats’ VFL team the next mature-age success story off master recruiter Stephen Wells’ production line? Atkins, a tough ball-winner and dual VFL best-and-fairest winner, hopes to follow in the footsteps of Tim Kelly, Sam Menegola and Tom Stewart. His 14 touches in the JLT clash with West Coast were impressive but the thing that really stood out was his tackling, something the Cats have been crying out for in the forward half. Scored 80 SuperCoach points against Essendon in game two to enhance his prospects of a Round 1 start. The Cats play Collingwood on Friday night in Round 1 so we'll know if he's playing while the rolling lockout is in effect, giving us a chance to swap him for a player later in the round if he misses out.

Tom Atkins in action for Geelong's VFL team.

Rhylee West (Western Bulldogs) $117,300, Mid

Calder Cannons coach Ross Smith says the son of Bulldogs champion Scott West is ready to play in his first season. “He’s a very mature 18-year-old,” Smith said of West, who averaged 19 disposals, six tackles and a goal in the TAC Cup this year. Was left out of the Dogs' JLT line-ups which indicates he is set to be given time to develop in the VFL.

Tom Jok (Essendon) $117,400, Mid

A project player at Essendon but his VFL form was clearly enough for him to get a shot at the AFL. Jok was given a brief taste of AFL football - 59 minutes against Carlton - and collected seven disposals and laid one tackle. Could get a chance to debut later in the season but his scoring potential will need to be improved in the VFL.

RUCKS

Zac Clarke (Essendon) $142,600, Ruck

Essendon desperately needed ruck depth and that gives Clarke another opportunity at AFL level after being delisted by Fremantle at the end of 2017.  The question is: How many games will he play? Clarke was impressive against the Blues in JLT1 with 37 hitouts, 15 disposals and a goal. That was good enough for 89 SuperCoach points. But he was left ou of the side when Tom bellchambers returned for JLT2. Hopes of repeating his 96-point SuperCoach average from 2013 are fading fast.

Darcy Fort

Darcy Fort (Geelong) $117,300, Ruck

The 205cm giant finally gets a chance at an AFL club six years after playing for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup. Since then he has spent time in the VFL and the SANFL, where he dominated last year for Central District, averaging 123 SuperCoach points a game. The biggest issue for the 25-year-old will be getting a regular game but the Cats never settled on a starting ruckman last season, trying Rhys Stanley, Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott at various stages.Unfortunately his JLT Series is unlikely to catapult him to the top of Chris Scott's plans. Not a bad option for your bench but don't start him on the field!

UNIQUE PICKS: SUPERCOACH STARS NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

ANALYSIS: CAN A 'COOKIE CUTTER' TEAM WIN SUPERCOACH?

HANDY HINTS: 21 TIPS FOR SUPERCOACH SUCCESS

Jordan Sweet (Western Bulldogs) $102,400, Ruck

Another mature-age recruit, Sweet gets a chance at the Dogs at age 20 after a great season for North Adelaide in the SANFL. A versatile big man who can also play up forward, he’s a chance to get a game in a side with limited ruck options. Unsighted in the JLT Series.

Patrick Bines (West Coast) $102,400, Ruck/Fwd

The former basketballer is in 9 per cent of teams despite the fact he's unlikely to play at all this year. And that's the point - advanced SuperCoach strategists aim to use him as a "floating doughnut" to take advantage of the vice-captain loophole. Find out more about why that could be a smart move here.

FORWARDS

Josh Corbett (Gold Coast) $123,900, Fwd

The third of Gold Coast’s priority mature-age recruits kicked 22 goals for Werribee in the VFL this year before his season was cut short by a nasty eye injury. Before then the North Warrnambool product was averaging almost eight marks a game and was awarded the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s most promising young talent. However, a knee injury has him behind the eight ball leading up to Round 1. We won't be complaining if he emerges as a mid-season downgrade option.

Tyson Stengle (Adelaide) $123,900, Fwd

A clever indigenous goalkicker who didn’t do much wrong in his two seasons on Richmond’s rookie list apart from being fourth or fifth in the queue for a role as a small forward. Kicked 33 goals in 19 games in the VFL and is set to learn under Eddie Betts. The small forward didn't get a chance in either of Adelaide's  JLT matches but kicked four goals in a SANFL practice match on the weekend so he might not be far away from a senior game.

Matt Parker (St Kilda) $117,300, Fwd

An explosive forward who was digging holes for underground gas pipes to pay the bills while playing in the WAFL this year. Inspired to not give up on his AFL dream by Geelong star and SuperCoach sensation Tim Kelly, Parker kicked 27 goals — and laid 84 tackles — for South Fremantle this year. He was recruited with pick 47 in the national draft and Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his speed and power will suit Marvel Stadium. After applying a ton of forward pressure in the JLT Series, he looks a safe bet to be named in Round 1 but don't expect huge scores.

Matthew Parker at St Kilda training.

Izak Rankine (Gold Coast), $198,300, Fwd

Incredibly talented teenager who is ready to play straight away after playing 10 senior games in the SANFL last year before going at No.2 on draft night. His first JLT Series appearance summed up what we're likely to get - a freakish goal in the opening minutes but just five more disposals for the night (32 SuperCoach points). He hurt his hamstring in JLT2 and is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1.

Willem Drew (Port Adelaide) $123,900, Fwd-mid

Big-bodied inside midfielder who was restricted to just one SANFL game last year by a foot injury. Now a serious Round 1 bolter after a bizarre water-skiing injury to Ollie Wines created a vacancy in the Power midfield. Staked his claim with 16 disposals (11 contested) in JLT1 for 77 SuperCoach points and 86 points in game two. Dual-position status makes him a very attractive proposition esepecially after Ken Hinkley confirmed he will play this weekend.

Dylan Moore (Hawthorn) $123,900, Fwd

Drafted in 2017 (pick 67) as an inside midfielder, Moore starred as a small forward for Box Hill last season. He improved as the year progressed, leading the club's goalkicking in the VFL finals and averaging 108 SuperCoach points in his final two games. Has been turning heads over the pre-season and could be a Round 1 smokie. Didn't set the world on fire in the JLT Series

Jack Petrucelle (West Coast) $123,900, Fwd

Touted as the man to replace Mark LeCras in the West Coast forward line, Petrucelle showed enough in the JLT Series to suggest he'll be there in Round 1.  The lightning-quick forward collected nine disposals and kicked a goal in 62 minutes of action against Geelong then booted two goals and scored 87 points against Fremantle. Scores will be up and down but should play. Shaping as the Liam Ryan of 2019.

Noah Balta (Richmond) $123,900, Fwd

Athletic tall who can play at either end and help in the ruck and rocketed into Round 1 contention with a spectacular performance against Melbourne in JLT1 that netted 104 SuperCoach points. Couldn't back it up in JLT2 but still scored 52 points with his work in the ruck a highlight. Touch and go for Round 1.

Shane McAdam (Adelaide) $123,900, Fwd

The Crows thought enough of the livewire forward to trade Mitch McGovern to Carlton for access to him via AFL rules that allowed the Blues to snare mature-age players before the draft. The nephew of former Saint and Lions star Gilbert McAdam — and cousin of current Blue Sam Petrevski-Seton — stood out for Sturt this year with his tackling pressure, big leap and eye for goal. Missed out on the JLT Series - keep an eye out for him as a mid-season trade option.

Nick Blakey (Sydney) $166,800, Fwd

Could have played for North Melbourne or Brisbane under the father-son rule (thanks to Dad John's 359 AFL games) but stuck with his Sydney Academy ties. Standing 195cm he could develop into a tall midfielder but is likely to start his career in the forward line, where he averaged 18 disposals and 4.5 goals in the AFL Academy series. With Franklin and Menzel out, he will get every chance to succeed. Very quiet in JLT1 but better in game two with two goals against the Suns. A good chance to play early but there is a question mark about his scoring potential.

Ben Cavarra (Western Bulldogs) $117,300, Fwd

Where's Cavarra? One of the genuine feel-good stories of the draft after the Dogs called out his name at pick 45. The 22-year-old won a Morrish Medal in the TAC Cup as a midfielder but earned his AFL chance as a small forward, winning Williamstown’s goalkicking in the past two years. Kicked 34 goals this year and has enough strings to his bow to still average 97 SuperCoach points a game. Was surprisingly overlooked for selection in both JLT games despite the Dogs' despreate need for goalkicking forwards. Could Luke Beveridge pull a Round 1 surprise?

Ben Cavarra has averaged 97 SuperCoach points per game in the VFL. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Tom Wilkinson (North Melbourne) $102,400, Fwd

A small forward plucked from the Southport Sharks after stints with Williamstown and Sandringham (where he won a best-and-fairest) in the VFL. After being overlooked in four drafts, Wilkinson rated elite in the NEAFL in 2018 for goals, accuracy, forward-50 tackles, marks, score assists and contested marks. Can he break into the Kangaroos’ best 22? Missed the JLT Series so best to look elsewhere.

MORE SUPERCOACH NEWS AND TIPS

Originally published as SuperCoach AFL cash cow bible: All the rookies you need to know for 2019 ahead of Round 1