Gary Buckenara names the best KFC SuperCoach cash cow prospects for 2020
One man wasn’t surprised by Tom Green’s 106 SuperCoach points in his first game for GWS. Recruiting guru Gary Buckenara says the midfield bull is a must-have. Who else tops his rookie ratings?
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Recruiting expert Gary Buckenara knows exactly what it takes for young players to have an immediate impact at AFL level.
Buckenara has tracked the draftees from 2019 and seasons past since their days as under-16s. He knows their games inside and out.
So who does he believe is ready to step up and play at AFL level in 2020 and more importantly, is there a role for them in the team that drafted them?
He reveals his top KFC SuperCoach rookies for 2020 and the players you must keep an eye on during the Marsh Series.
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MARLION PICKETT (Richmond) $123,000 MID
His Grand Final performance showed us what he can do. He’s skilful, he wins the footy and uses it really well, so at $123,000 you simply cannot pass him up because he should be a good point scorer. He’ll get a lot more opportunities this year, providing he doesn’t have any hiccups for the remainder of the pre-season. Should be one of the first picked in your side.
Marsh Series scores: 61
MATT ROWELL (Gold Coast) $207,300 MID
Rowell should have an immediate impact for Gold Coast, but will he score enough points to justify spending over $200,000 on a kid in his first year? I think he will. Rowell has the ability to do what Sam Walsh did last year and rack up 25-30 disposals per game and average around 80-90 points, or even a bit better. He’s got a strong enough body to step straight into the Suns’ midfield and I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t win a lot of the ball. He uses it very well too, which will ensure he gets maximum points from his disposals. He won’t look out of place and barring injury, should play every game.
Marsh Series scores: 100
IZAK RANKINE (Gold Coast) $123,000 FWD
Rankine was unlucky not to play last year after being struck down by injury. But that means he’s available much cheaper in SuperCoach this season. I’d be slotting him straight into my forward line as the second picked after GWS star Lachie Whitfield. The beauty of Rankine is he can go into the midfield and win the ball but he’ll probably play predominantly as a forward because he brings genuine excitement – he’s super quick, he chases, he tackles and he can take a big mark. If he stays fit he’ll play every game and earn points. He can easily average 15-20 disposals – he doesn’t waste it – and a goal per game, plus he’ll rack up the tackles and pressure acts that earn points. He’s a must-have, lock him in despite missing the first Marsh Series game with a shoulder problem.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
TOM GREEN (GWS) $166,800 MID
Green will play AFL footy in 2020. GWS has a history of giving regular games to their midfield draftees taken in the top-10 (think Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto) and I expect Green to be next. He’s bigger than Hopper – he’s a very powerful young man, he wins his own footy and uses it quite well. He’s ready to go and I think he’ll play nearly every game this year. He might get more handballs than kicks but he’ll win clearances, rack up big numbers and tackle. Taranto’s injury opens up a midfield spot and Green showed in his Marsh Series debut he’s ready to grab it.
Marsh Series scores: 106
WILL GOULD (Sydney) $117,300 DEF
The Sydney draftee has already played senior footy at SANFL level and performed very well, so taking the next step won’t worry him. I think he’ll get regular games because the Swans are in a ‘blooding’ phase where John Longmire will be giving youngsters senior opportunities. He’ll play off halfback and do some serious damage at the SCG with his beautiful thumping kick – he’s very similar to Shannon Hurn. Lock him into your defence because I think there’s a spot for him in Round 1. I believe Callum Mills will move into the midfield, which opens up a spot across half back that Gould can definitely fill.
Marsh Series scores: 68
NAKIA COCKATOO (Geelong) $148,200 MID/FWD
High risk/high reward. If fit, we know Cockatoo can play and he’s the dynamic type of player the Cats need because he’s explosive and really takes the game on but the issue is his body keeps letting him down. Does that mean he’s due for a change of luck though? Yes, but will that change of luck come in 2020? The early signs aren’t good given the news he’s got another hamstring problem. Don’t forget about him though because if he does get himself right he’s got so much to offer. He’s not the best kick but while he’s never big a huge possession-winner, I think the Cats will want to get the footy into his hands because he’s got great breakaway speed and loves to take a bounce and kick goals. Live dangerously and take the punt when he’s fit.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
MAX KING (St Kilda) $123,900 FWD
King is going to be a very good player for St Kilda for the next 10+ years and while he’ll be very important for the team’s structure and should get plenty of senior opportunities this year, don’t pick him in your SuperCoach team. Key forwards find it tough to score well in SuperCoach and I don’t think King will score enough to deliver the price rise we’re looking for from our rookies.
Marsh Series scores: 46
DARCY CAMERON (Collingwood) $123,900 RUC/FWD
Cameron is the back-up for Brodie Grundy and will only see regular games if Grundy gets injured. While he can take a mark up forward, I can’t see him challenging Mason Cox for the full forward role because we know how dangerous Cox is when he’s up and going and Cameron isn’t mobile enough to play predominantly as a forward. Pass.
Marsh Series scores: 127
HAYDEN YOUNG (Fremantle) $180,300 DEF
2019’s No.7 draft pick made his name as a gun intercept defender. He should play across half back and be thrown through the midfield every now and then at AFL level. He boasts a strong body and by all reports has been training very well, so could be in the mix for a Round 1 debut. Don’t be surprised if Fremantle blood more youngsters and give them regular senior games under new coach Justin Longmuir. Watch Young through the pre-season series — he uses the ball very well and is a pretty smart footballer.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
NED McHENRY (Adelaide) $123,900 MID
McHenry had an injury-interrupted first season with Adelaide but has been training very well so far this pre-season and will push for a Round 1 debut. Originally drafted as a small forward, he’s moved into the midfield and can add some much-needed pace and excitement. The Crows are expected to inject more youth into their side under new coach Matthew Nicks and McHenry should be one of the beneficiaries. Watch his scoring potential during the pre-season matches.
Marsh Series scores: 37
DEVEN ROBERTSON (Brisbane) $117,300 MID
Gone are the days where Brisbane’s early draft picks are seen as walk-up starts in their best 22. Robertson will need to put together a good block of form to earn his way into what is now an established team that played finals in 2019. I think he’ll get some games, maybe 10 or so, but this year won’t be the senior regular we’re looking for.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
BRANDON STARCEVICH (Brisbane) $147,700 DEF/MID
Starcevich has been at the Lions for a couple of years now and is on the cusp – is he good enough to break in and become a regular? He’s shown some good signs and got a few opportunities last year and didn’t look out of place. But can he put together good consistent form at AFL level? He’s not a walk-up start, he’ll need to break in. His DPP status makes him an attractive prospect but if he doesn’t play the majority of Brisbane’s pre-season and practice matches then look elsewhere. He’s a hardworking footballer but isn’t the best kick.
Marsh Series scores: 40
SAM FLANDERS (Gold Coast) $162,300 MID/FWD
I’d be staggered if Flanders isn’t a senior regular this year. He’s very talented, can play anywhere on the ground but I think he’ll be used in the midfield and up forward. Flanders has the ability to win 20-30 disposals, which means good things for SuperCoach, but he might be a little bit inconsistent depending on the opposition. Watch his numbers during the pre-season matches and more specifically, where he’s spending most of his time. If he’s used predominantly as a midfielder then consider him for your team. Keep him in mind as a handy DPP.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
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AIDEN BONAR (North Melbourne) $202,800 MID/FWD
Bonar will be a good recruit for North Melbourne and will play every game if fit. I liked him in his draft year and while he didn’t get many games at GWS, he did perform well when he got his opportunities. He should win a bit of the footy as a strong-bodied midfielder, my only concern is his price tag at over $200,000 and whether he’ll score enough points regularly to make the investment worth it. Slot him into your team for now but watch his scores in the Marsh Series.
Marsh Series scores: 76
JACKSON MEAD (Port Adelaide) $117,300 MID
Mead has suffered a hamstring injury, which means we’re unlikely to see him before Round 1. As a father-son recruit, the Power will take their time in developing him. He might be a downgrade target at some stage because I think he’ll get some games but won’t be a regular, especially early given his injury.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
TRENT BIANCO (Collingwood) $117,300 DEF/MID
Bianco will be a very nice player for Collingwood for the future but he’ll be behind Isaac Quaynor and even John Noble for a spot as a small defender to start 2020. This will be a development year for him but should earn his debut at some stage to get a taste of senior footy.
Marsh Series scores: 14
MITCH HIBBERD (Essendon) $114,400 MID
Interesting prospect. Hibberd has a knee injury and is touch and go to be fit for the start of the season but don’t cross him off your list. He’s a mature-age recruit available very cheap and has played as an inside midfielder in the VFL – exactly the type of player Essendon need. He can play both midfield and off halfback and win a lot of the footy, so it’ll be interesting to see where he plays. I think there’s a role in the Bombers’ side for him when he’s fit and after being given a second chance at AFL level, he could grab it with both hands.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
CHARLIE COMBEN (North Melbourne) $117,300 RUC/FWD
A project player who will spend the season developing in the VFL. Pass unless you want him as a loophole, which he’s one of the best options for.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
NOAH ANDERSON (Gold Coast) $202,800 MID
Should play every game and will win a lot of the footy because he’s an elite runner so will be able to work hard up and down the ground to push deep into defence and go forward. He’s a Bradley Hill-type runner. But I don’t think he’ll win as much footy as Rowell and you probably can’t pick them both given their price. Watch his Marsh Series scores but I’d have Rowell ahead of him in my side at this stage.
Marsh Series scores: 59
JOSH WORRELL (Adelaide) $117,300 FWD/DEF
Worrell is a very good intercept mark but will find it tough to break into Adelaide’s team this year given he’ll be behind Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan, Tom Doedee and fellow draftee Fischer McAsey. Pass.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
DYLAN STEPHENS (Sydney) $189,300 MID
John Longmire has said Stephens will play through the midfield in 2020 but will that be at AFL or NEAFL level? I think it’ll be in the AFL side. I know the Swans were very happy to get him, so I think they’ll play him. He’s played senior footy for Norwood in the SANFL, so won’t be too intimidated by big bodies and can win the footy, use it well and provide plenty of run, which Sydney is desperate for. Watch his Marsh Series for his scoring potential but I like him a lot. He’s capable of averaging 20+ disposals in his first season.
Marsh Series scores: 38
HARLEY BENNELL (Melbourne) $123,900 MID
We know he’s got a lot of talent but he just can’t get on the park. Melbourne obviously believe he can get on top of his calf injuries and reignite his career but there’s a lot to play out. Would be one of the great bargain buys we’ve seen in a long time if he can play but the pre-season calf setback isn’t a great sign. The Demons have said he won’t be playing until at least mid-season.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
FINN MAGINNESS (Hawthorn) $117,300 MID
It’ll be a development year for Maginness – he’ll spend the majority of the season in the VFL. He’s been training well and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Clarko give him his debut at some stage, purely to give him a taste of AFL footy. Not on my SuperCoach radar.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
LACHLAN ASH (GWS) $193,800 DEF/MID
Ash will have to break into a Grand Final team but he’s a dynamic player and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him do it and do it early. Watch him very closely during the Marsh Series and GWS’s practice matches to see if he gets a game. He has the ability to lock away a spot in the best 22 because he’s a really good ball-winner and he’s got really good pace. He could add another dimension to their midfield with his speed and outside run. One to watch.
Marsh Series scores: 88
MATTHEW LING (Sydney) $123,900 DEF
Ling is entering his third year now so he’s done his apprenticeship. He’s had injury problems, which have restricted him, but when fit he’s exactly the type of player Sydney are desperate for because he’s got really good pace. This is the year to watch him. He’s a good utility type who can play a variety of roles, which bodes well for his AFL chances. I’ve got him on my bench in defence at this stage.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
JEZ McLENNAN (Gold Coast) $123,900 DEF
A rebound defender to keep an eye on. McLennan was named as an emergency several times last year without breaking through for his debut but I think he’ll get games this year because the Suns will need to find out if he can play at the level or not. Taken at pick No. 23 in the 2018 draft, McLennan is a rebound defender with a beautiful kick. Keep an eye out for him during the Marsh Series because he could be a good option for your bench.
Marsh Series scores: 36
JACK BYTEL (St Kilda) $123,900 DEF
Bytel is a very athletic player whose first year was ruined by injury. He’s got a lot of potential but has to break into a St Kilda team that has brought in a lot of experience over the off-season. He’s a light body but he’s a bit of a jumping jack, can run and be a bit of a highlights reel type of player but he’s not the greatest of kicks. 2020 will likely be a development year for him.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
LIAM HENRY (Fremantle) $171,300 FWD/MID
Henry is an excitement machine and the Dockers need his pace so I think he’ll see a lot of footy this year but don’t pick him in SuperCoach. He’ll be one of those inconsistent small forwards who is fantastic one week but quiet the next.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
JARROD BRANDER (West Coast) $133,000 DEF/FWD
This will be Brander’s third season and while he’s a talented player I still think there are players ahead of him at the Eagles. He’ll get some games but won’t be a regular best 22 player. Pass.
Marsh Series scores: 46
CODY WEIGHTMAN (Western Bulldogs) $144,300 FWD
Weightman is a dynamic small forward who chases and tackles, two characteristics the Dogs lost when Luke Dahlhaus left, so I think he can come in and have an impact. He’ll bring excitement to the forward group and can actually go into the midfield as well, which is good for SuperCoach. My only concern is whether he’ll win enough of the ball to be worth a spot in our teams. Watch his scores closely during the Marsh Series.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
SAM DRAPER (Essendon) $123,900 RUC
Coming back from a knee reconstruction and won’t be rushed given the addition of Andrew Phillips from Carlton to be the back-up for Tom Bellchambers. Not this year.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
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BEN CAVARRA (Western Bulldogs) $123,900 FWD
Was one of the must-have rookies last year until he was struck down by injury but I’m worried he’s been overtaken now by the likes of Bailey Smith, Bailey Dale and now even Cody Weightman. To me, he’s a better midfielder than small forward and the Dogs’ midfield is stacked already. The Dogs and coach Luke Beveridge do have a history of playing a bit of a bolter early – could Cavarra be the one this year? He’s a professional and has proven he can find the footy at VFL level. Don’t forget about him, but he’s not in my side at this stage.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
ELY SMITH (Brisbane) $123,900 MID/FWD
Smith has talent and can play midfield or forward but can he break into that Brisbane side? He really needs to put the flag up and say ‘pick me’ by putting together standout performances on the training track and during the practice matches. He has DPP status so could be good value if he plays – maybe a downgrade option around mid-season because he’ll likely start in the NEAFL.
Marsh Series scores: 18
TOM WILLIAMSON (Carlton) $146,300 DEF
Williamson is a real professional but unfortunately he keeps breaking down with injury. He’s a good VFL player when fit, which is why Carlton fans get excited by him, but I think he’s been overtaken a bit because he just can’t get any continuity with his footy.
Marsh Series scores: 52
KYSAIAH PICKETT (Melbourne) $157,800 FWD
Melbourne desperately need a player like Pickett because he brings excitement and a genuine x-factor but he might get 10-15 possessions and a goal or two one game, then only a handful of touches the next. There are better forward options available and for cheaper, pass.
Marsh Series scores: 43
SAM PHILP (Carlton) $121,800 MID
The Blues will put some time into Philp because they took him a lot earlier in the draft last year than most expected, so they obviously see something in him that they want and/or need in the future. That means he’s likely to get opportunities in 2020 but will it be enough to pick him in SuperCoach? There are better options in the midfield but he could be a downgrade target later in the year.
Marsh Series scores: 7
LUKE VALENTE (Fremantle) $123,900 MID
Valente had an injury-interrupted first season with the Dockers but I think he’ll be a player who gets senior opportunities under Justin Longmuir. He’ll start the season the WAFL most likely but young players always pop up at the Dockers around mid-season, proving very valuable when we start looking to cash in our rookies and Valente could be a nice downgrade option at some stage as a midfielder who can also play across halfback.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
LUKE JACKSON (Melbourne) $198,300 RUC
Could come into the mix if Max Gawn doesn’t recover from his knee injury in time for Round 1 given Braydon Preuss has also been struck down by injury but don’t pick him in SuperCoach.
Marsh Series scores: 22
TOM NORTH (Fremantle) $102,400 MID
North was delisted and then redrafted by Fremantle as a rookie at the end of last year. He was a smoky to debut early in 2019 but that never eventuated. He needs to put in a big season to stay at the Dockers and that could mean he gets senior opportunities because the club will need to find out if he can play at the level. Would be great value if he does play because he’s available at a bargain-basement price. Look out for him to see if he plays in the Marsh Series.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
CALEB SERONG (Fremantle) $175,800 MID
Serong is a really talented footballer so it wouldn’t surprise me if Fremantle find a spot for him early, whether it’s forward or across halfback with the occasional run in midfield. The Dockers might want to see him develop in the midfield in the WAFL or via a mixture of positions at AFL level. Watch where he plays in the Marsh Series and whether he can rack up good SuperCoach scores before making a decision on him. He’s got good pace and the Dockers need that, so I think he can potentially play a lot of senior footy this year.
Marsh Series scores: 60
FISCHER McASEY (Adelaide) $184,800 DEF
McAsey would be in front of Worrell for a spot in Adelaide’s defence but he won’t score big points in SuperCoach because he’s very much a defender in that he’ll spoil first and while he can win it on the ground, he won’t provide much in terms of rebound. Won’t be like Jake Lever and Tom Doedee in their first years, who were great in SuperCoach.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
SHANE McADAM (Adelaide) $123,900 FWD
McAdam has enormous talent and is a clever forward who can push up into the midfield, just the type of player Adelaide needs. The Crows will need to find out if he can play at the level, given he was a mature-age recruit for last year but didn’t play. He’s got good goal sense but is a player who drifts in and out of games and hasn’t been a high disposal winner. There are better forward rookie options.
Marsh Series scores: 23
JEREMY SHARP (Gold Coast) $117,300 MID
A really nice midfielder/halfback who should play regularly this year. He’s capable of finding a lot of the ball and that will translate to some high SuperCoach scores because he uses the ball really well. If he finds enough of the footy he will be a valuable pick. Keep an eye on him – he can play Round 1.
Marsh Series scores: 16
ELIJAH TAYLOR (Sydney) $117,300 MID/FWD
Taylor has real x-factor and I can’t wait to see him play alongside Buddy. He’ll provide plenty of highlights because he’s got serious talent but won’t be a consistent enough scorer for SuperCoach.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
CONNOR BUDARICK (Gold Coast) $106,500 MID/FWD
The Gold Coast rookie was picked out of the club’s academy last year. He has a good footy brain, a good combination of speed and endurance and has nice skills. He’s had a very good pre-season and is definitely on the watch list during the Marsh Series. He could be a real bargain buy at just $106,500 and as a DPP.
Marsh Series scores: 74
MILES BERGMAN (Port Adelaide) $148,800 FWD
Port Adelaide hasn’t been afraid to throw their draftees straight into the senior side and Bergman could be the man this year. He’ll definitely play some senior football in 2020 but whether it’s from Round 1, we’ll have to keep an eye on him during the Marsh Series. Connor Rozee could play more midfield this year, which would open up a spot across half forward. Have him on your watch list. I think they’ll give him every chance because he has no trouble finding the footy, is quite elusive and a good kick.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
RYLEY STODDART (Sydney) $123,900 DEF
Stoddart has played four games across his first two seasons with the Swans and probably has quite come on as hoped. He has pace but I think Will Gould, Matthew Ling and Dylan Stephens are ahead of him if they’re fit.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
TRENT RIVERS (Melbourne) $117,300 DEF/MID
Rivers is a neat player as a rebound defender with a nice kick but I don’t think he’ll win enough of the footy to justify picking him in SuperCoach if he gets games. He’s a good ball user and reads the play well but he’ll be up against it to break into Melbourne’s back six, which is pretty settled despite a poor year in 2019.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
JACOB TOWNSEND (Essendon) $222,900 FWD
How Essendon use Townsend will be fascinating. Will he be a high half forward like he was reinvented as in Richmond’s premiership season in 2017 or will he go back to his original position as an inside midfielder? The Bombers are in need more of an inside midfielder but you can’t ignore the fact Townsend’s best footy at AFL level has been as a forward who can’t help but kick goals. Is he a one year wonder? Essendon must have a role in mind for him so I’ll be keeping a close eye on him during the Marsh Series. On the radar.
Marsh Series scores: 61
JAKE RICCARDI (GWS) $117,300 FWD
Jeremy Finlayson was hit and miss as a tall forward last year, so it was smart recruiting by the Giants to swoop on Riccardi out of the VFL given they lost Jon Patton to Hawthorn during the trade period. Good NEAFL form will see him put pressure on Finlayson to perform and I have no doubt he can come in and play well at AFL level. If he gets a chance he’ll see plenty of ball in the Giants’ forward line but I doubt he’ll be a big SuperCoach scorer.
Marsh Series scores: DNP
Originally published as Gary Buckenara names the best KFC SuperCoach cash cow prospects for 2020