Gary Buckenara names the best SuperCoach cash cow prospects
Week 1 of the pre-season competition has come and gone and many of the names AFL recruiting guru Gary Buckenara highlighted shone bright on the big stage. Get his exclusive take on which cheapies should be on your SuperCoach radar.
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AFL recruiting guru Gary Buckenara knows exactly what it takes for young players to make it at AFL level.
Buckenara has tracked the draftees from 2018 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 2019 and more importantly, is there a role for them in 2019 in the team that drafted them?
He reveals his top SuperCoach rookies for 2019 and the players you must keep an eye on for your team this year.
JURY: SUPERCOACH’S BIG NAMES UNDER MICROSCOPE
MOVE: TRADED STARS WHO COULD BE SUPERCOACH GOLD
FREAKO: BREAKING DOWN THE SUPERCOACH DILEMMA
GARY BUCKENARA’S TOP SUPERCOACH ROOKIES FOR 2019
NOAH BALTA (Richmond) $123,900 FWD
This one is a bit left-field because Balta needs to break in to one of the strongest teams in the competition, but he’s a big smokie who showed what he’s capable of against the Dees on Sunday. I think Richmond will be looking to get him into the AFL mix this season and I wouldn’t be surprised if he grabs his chance. He’ll have to earn his spot, but keep an eye on this kid. He’s got the body to be able to play now and he’s got serious athleticism about him. He traditionally doesn’t get a lot of the ball but I think that will change at AFL level because Richmond’s style suits him. He can take marks and can play in a similar way to Alex Rance. He can also play forward and even in the midfield. He could be a downgrade target mid-season.
ELY SMITH (Brisbane Lions) $117,300 MID
Smith was drafted at the end of last year and I think he will get some games for the Lions in 2019. He’s the type of player who can play the high half-forward or half-back role and I think his scoring potential is huge. He wins his own ball and is very athletic. He’s ready to go.
OLEG MARKOV (Richmond) $158,000 DEF
From what I’m hearing, Markov has been the No.1 performer on the track at Richmond. He’s blitzed them in the time trials and in the weights room he’s put on size, so all the indicators point to he’s ready to have a breakout season. Markov has so much athletic ability he can play all over the ground because he has a huge engine. The knock on him has been his kicking but if he’s improved that, which he’s been working on, I think he’s ready for a huge breakout year. Watch this space. I’ve got a gut-feel he’s going to be a real smoky for Richmond this year. Can be a star.
SAM WALSH (Carlton) $207,300 MID
Carlton needs midfielders and Walsh is ready to play. As the No.1 draft pick, Walsh is the most expensive of the draftees but I see him playing regularly and he’ll be worth the investment. Carlton is in a position where it needs to get games into its younger players, therefore players like Walsh will get valuable midfield minutes to score points. While Walsh may not get the same numbers as more established players, he’s still got the ability to collect possession tallies in the 20-30 range. Walsh is a good ball-user, he’ll win his share of contested possessions when he has to and he’s a good kick, and they’re the sort of ingredients that will see him play regularly and rack up nice SuperCoach numbers.
IZAK RANKINE (Gold Coast Suns) $198,300 FWD
Rankine is a player everyone should be looking at. At Gold Coast, like Carlton, they’re going to need to play a lot of their younger players to build the club culture and not allow them to lose their appetite by playing NEAFL. The Suns need to invest in their high draft picks and a kid like Izak Rankine is exactly the type of player who will have an impact straight away. He’ll find the footy, he’s devastatingly quick and has great agility. He’ll play midfield but he’ll go forward as well and kick goals. He should be in your starting line-up.
NICK BLAKEY (Sydney Swans) $166,800 FWD
I rate Blakey really highly. He only showed glimpses against GWS at the weekend but he’s got so much upside and I think he’ll play a fair bit of senior footy this year. He’s a great intercept mark, he can play back, he can play forward and he can go into the midfield, so he’s a real utility. He’s valued at $166,800 but I think that’s a good price for a player who can score points a number of different ways because he’s got an all-round game; he’s good overhead, he’s very good defensively, he intercepts and he reads the play well and is a great user of the ball. Being in the Sydney Academy fast-tracks his development as well, so he’s ready to go. Only injuries will stop him from playing a lot of games.
LIAM STOCKER (Carlton) $126,300 MID
Stocker is ready-made. He’s got a strong body already and I think the Blues will get him into the team from Round 1. They were obviously really keen to get him to their club, so they’ve got plans for him. Like Walsh, Stocker will get roles because Carlton needs to play its younger players and that means good things for SuperCoaches. He could be a real value pick because I think he’ll have an immediate impact and at $126,300, he’s too good to ignore. He’s a good kick of the footy, is tough and hard and he’ll win his fair share of ball. He’s a lock.
JEZ McLENNAN (Gold Coast Suns) $117,300 DEF
A rebound-defender, McLennan can also go forward but I think he’ll play mostly down back for the Suns and will be a senior regular. He’s had experience playing against senior bodies already in the SANFL, which will hold him in good stead as he makes the transition to AFL footy. Like Rankine, McLennan should have the benefit of being given a lot of games so he can settle into life at the Suns. He’s a good intercept mark for a rebound defender, is a good kick and has a strong body already that’s ready to play. I think he’ll be a nice cash cow in defence who’ll score well.
IAN HILL (GWS Giants) $117,300 FWD/MID
Hill is a bit speculative but worth considering because I think GWS need a dynamic small forward. He has X-factor, he’s a really exciting player who can create havoc with his speed, pressure and footy nous as he gets to work at the feet of the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg. The Giants have lacked that type of player, so I’m just reading the play here … if he has a good pre-season, he should play. The question is can he score enough to be value in SuperCoach? I think there’s opportunity there given the footy should spend a lot of time inside the Giants’ forward 50m. Hill has got something special – he can chase and tackle and also jump and take a big mark - and I’m taking a punt that he’ll get games early.
LUKE FOLEY (West Coast) $117,300 MID
Foley has come through Subiaco in the WAFL, where he played in a premiership and had a really good season as a midfielder/forward. He has a task ahead of him to break into West Coast’s best 22 but he’s ready to go and can play. He’s a player SuperCoaches should pencil in and keep a close eye on him because if he starts to get games he’ll find the footy, there’s no question. He’s a smart player who uses it well, all he needs is an opportunity. He needs to break into the premiership side, so we need to be realistic, and it might take him a little time to find his feet, but I think he has the capabilities that if he gets in, it’ll be hard to get him out. I really like him.
JLT1 SUPERCOACH SCORES
BEN CAVARRA (Western Bulldogs) $117,300 FWD
Cavarra is a great story. He was overlooked at the draft for so many years but finally gets his chance at the Bulldogs and I think he can come in and have a real impact. He’s a midfielder to me; he can win a lot of the ball despite being very left-sided - which has been the knock on him - but can also kick goals (he booted 66 for Williamstown in his past two seasons as a small forward) and is courageous. I think he’ll be used forward but with stints through the midfield in his first season and there’ll never be any doubt about his effort or ability to find the footy. Good VFL players always tend to do well at AFL level. Great value.
MATTHEW PARKER (St Kilda) $117,300 FWD
The Saints recruit has taken real inspiration from Tim Kelly, his former teammate at South Fremantle, and now has his opportunity in the AFL. Can he also emulate Kelly’s SuperCoach impact? He was dominant at WAFL level and has spectacular traits; he can stand on shoulders, he can kick a freakish goal, he’s quick and can do all the exciting things on the field fans love to see. He’s exactly the type of player St Kilda needs to invest in to make sure he’s comfortable living in Melbourne because he has moved away from his family and has overcome some challenges in his life, and playing him is the best way to make that happen. I believe he’ll play early if he continues to have a good pre-season. Definitely worth considering because he won’t be overawed and his natural talent on display at AFL level will come to the fore. Keep an eye on him.
NICK HIND (St Kilda) $117,300 MID
Another player drafted out of the VFL, Hind is an outside midfielder who’s a good kick and will run and carry all day. One of St Kilda’s biggest areas for improvement is pace and skill and Hind definitely brings that, so I suspect Alan Richardson will be keen to get him into the midfield. I think he’ll get plenty of games and I think the Saints will want the ball in his hands. He has the ability to break away and create the overlap with Isaac Smith-style run.
DARCY FORT (Geelong) $117,300 RUCK
Fort missed out on a few drafts but he’s developed a strong body now and is ready to play after dominating for Central District in the SANFL. Geelong needs a ruckman – Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith haven’t been able to pin down the No.1 role – and I think Fort is more than capable of taking that mantle. In fact, I believe he’s going to become the Cats’ No.1 ruckman because he’s definitely a good enough tap ruckman to displace both Stanley and Smith in the best 22. Pick him.
ROBERT YOUNG (St Kilda) $117,300 FWD
Drafted out of SANFL club North Adelaide, Young has the ability to grab a spot in the Saints best 22 and make it his own. He’s not going to be a star but he should play enough games to be a solid contributor. I’m not saying you should pick him but he’s one to keep an eye on through the JLT Series.
CALLUM WILKIE (St Kilda) $124,900 DEF
I had Wilkie ranked in my top-50 for the draft last year so I think the Saints got a real bargain in the rookie draft. He was one of the SANFL’s top defenders last year because his intercept marking is a real strength. Wilkie reminds me a bit of Tom Barrass from West Coast in the way he plays because he reads it well and floats in across the pack. St Kilda is trying to redevelop its side and I think Wilkie can be part of that. He can have an immediate impact as a mature-age recruit.
DARCY FOGARTY (Adelaide) $242,700 FWD
He’s a bit more expensive than the other guys but I really like Fogarty as a player. In 2017, I had him ranked as the best player in the draft and I think he’s shown enough to suggest he’s on the cusp of becoming a seriously good player for the Crows. He can play both forward and back and with Mitch McGovern leaving for Carlton, I’m confident Fogarty will step up and make that spot his own. He’s a really strong mark, he’s tough, never takes a backwards step and he’s a very reliable kick. I think he can have a breakout season this year and become one of the game’s best young players. He averaged 44 points per game last year but I think we can improve that average dramatically in 2019.
LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE (North Melbourne) $197,500 MID
Davies-Uniacke was the must-have cash cow before the JLT Series last year but didn’t quite take off as we expected, so that means he’s still available cheaply for us this year. He had a learning year last year and now with a full pre-season under his belt, I believe he can have the impact in 2019 that we were expecting in 2018. He can play a number of roles, although he should be used predominantly in the midfield, and has serious upside. Even though North Melbourne added the likes of Polec, Hall and Tyson to their midfield during the trade and free agency period, I think there’s a spot for Davies-Uniacke and Brad Scott should be playing him regularly. He’s got the ability to have a standout season.
JOE ATLEY (Port Adelaide) $123,900 MID
Atley is entering his third season and should be aiming to break into that Port Adelaide midfield. With the departures of Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard to North Melbourne and Chad Wingard to Hawthorn, there are spots available as Ken Hinkley looks to reinvigorate his side, and Atley could be one to benefit. He’s a ball magnet and was emergency on a number of occasions last year but battled some injury concerns. He needs a big season and is still available with a rookie price tag. Watch him in the JLT Series for his scoring potential, which I think could be a nice surprise. Hard-nosed midfielder who has good disposal.
MATTHEW LING (Sydney Swans) $123,900 FWD/MID
Ling had an injury-interrupted season last year but if he can get himself fit I think there’s a spot for him in the Sydney midfield. The Swans lack pace and Ling is super quick, so he’s exactly the type of player they need. He could be serious value. He’s got a lot of ability and being in the Sydney system, we know how well they develop their players. Watch this space.
TARRYN THOMAS (North Melbourne) $175,800 MID
Thomas is a very exciting prospect for the Kangaroos. He’s got a lot of X-factor about him, but he does need to put on some size, so I expect 2019 will be a development year for him. I can see him playing a handful of games to get a taste of senior footy but I think mostly he’ll play VFL. Having said that, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him come in and do some spectacular things at AFL level because he’s got serious ability. I still think the Kangaroos will be very mindful of not throwing him to the wolves too early. He won’t be in my side.
WILL SETTERFIELD (Carlton) $144,900 MID/FWD
Absolute lock. He’s a must-pick. The ex-GWS No.5 draft pick has serious talent and will be a walk-up start in the Carlton midfield from Round 1, providing he’s fit and ready to go after his knee reconstruction. Setterfield can play all over the ground - in the midfield, up forward and down back - because of his size at 191cm. He’s ready to go.
SAM COLLINS (Gold Coast) $188,900 DEF
The ex-Fremantle player played for Werribee in the VFL last year and was a dominant force as an intercept defender. He had an outstanding year and deserves his second opportunity. He should slot into the Gold Coast defence and play every game, barring injury, and will get a lot of opportunity to rack up SuperCoach points because I suspect the ball will spend a fair bit of time in his area.
ISAAC QUAYNOR (Collingwood) $153,300 DEF
By all reports Quaynor is burning up the track at Collingwood training and putting himself right in the mix for an early-season debut. He’s got some exciting athleticism about him and although I think he’ll start the season in the VFL, he will get early opportunities. He’s got the ability and raw power and body to play, so I can see him playing pretty regularly, especially considering I believe the Pies do have a need for this type of defender. Not a lock yet but watch him closely.
CONNOR ROZEE (Port Adelaide) $189,300 DEF/FWD
Rozee will have a tough task to get into the Port Adelaide midfield but there’s no doubting his ability and he’s already impressing on the training track and in match simulation, so it’s a matter of how the coaches want to develop him. He’s already played senior SANFL footy, so he’s ready and if I was the Power I’d be getting him in as soon as possible because he is a quality player. He might not be the star Izak Rankine is but he’ll be a more consistent winner of the footy and that means he’ll be a more consistent SuperCoach scorer. If he plays, he’ll do well. He brings a lot to the table, qualities Ken Hinkley should look to invest in following the loss of Polec to North Melbourne. Rozee is a really smart decision-maker.
JACK SCRIMSHAW (Hawthorn) $149,800 DEF
A former No.7 draft pick, Scrimshaw is a talented player who never settled at the Suns. Back in Melbourne, at Hawthorn and surrounded by his family and friends, I think Scrimshaw is going to be a real surprise packet. He needs to get his head into footy a bit more but I’ve been told he’s going very well at training and the penny has finally dropped for him with his training and work ethic. Scrimshaw is a bit of a Ben Stratton type with his ability to intercept but he attacks more and I think he can make some big inroads at the Hawks this year. He can play from Round 1 and be a right-footed Grant Birchall because he’s got good skill and good decision-making.
CHRIS BURGESS (Gold Coast) $123,900 DEF/FWD
A mature-age pick-up for the Suns, Burgess is likely to play a role in Stuart Dew’s team following the departures of Tom Lynch and Steven May. In the past Gold Coast has picked up players from state leagues to top up its NEAFL side but I think the Suns are past doing that now and any mature-ager coming into this club has been pencilled in to play a role at AFL level to help develop the younger players. I think he’ll play a lot of footy in 2019 but given he’s a key forward/defender, don’t lock him in to your side until you get a gauge on his scoring potential during the JLT Series. We should be wary of key position players.
MARTY HORE (Melbourne) $117,300 DEF
Picked-up out of Collingwood’s VFL side, I thought Hore was one of the best defenders in the league last year. He’s obviously ready-made and can play from Round 1, it’s just a matter of where he fits in the pecking order. The fact Jake Lever is still on the comeback trail from an ACL goes in his favour but with the addition of Steven May to play alongside Oscar McDonald as key defenders, is there a role for him? Kade Kolodjashnij has also joined the club and is deceptively tall at 190cm, while Michael Hibberd will slot in to the back six as well as Neville Jetta. Sam Frost can also play a third tall role, as can Joel Smith. Competition for spots is hot at Melbourne all over the field. Keep a close eye on the role he plays, if any, during the JLT Series. If he gets games early, I’ll reckon he’ll keep his spot but his SuperCoach scoring potential is a mystery at this stage.
CHARLIE CONSTABLE (Geelong) $123,900 MID
A big-bodied midfielder who was on the cusp of a senior debut last year, Constable is going to find it tough to break into the strong Geelong midfield again this season. With another pre-season under his belt he should be fitter and stronger and I think he will get an opportunity at some stage – clubs need to find out if these youngsters can play at the level - but just how early that is remains the big question mark. He’s got a lot of talent and if the Cats get an injury or two, he’s capable of stepping up to be that big-bodied midfielder. Be aware of him and have him on your watchlist. He’s a clever player, who I think can be a solid contributor at AFL level.
BRETT BEWLEY (Fremantle) $117,300 MID
A ready-made player for Fremantle out of Williamstown in the VFL, I expect Bewley to play from Round 1. He’ll be so determined to show what he’s capable of during the JLT after being overlooked in the draft so many times and he’s the type of player where you know exactly what you’re going to get from him as an inside midfielder. He wins so much contested ball, he attacks it really hard. Bewley could be the replacement for the injured Connor Blakely early in the season and if he does get his chance, I’ve got no doubt he’ll be racking up the disposals and SuperCoach points. He uses the ball well.
LUKE VALENTE (Fremantle) $117,300 MID
Valente was drafted at the end of last year but he’s got the body capable of playing straight away. He’s an inside/outside midfielder but probably plays predominantly as an inside ball-winner who’s a good user of the footy. He was South Australia’s most consistent player in the under-18 carnival last year, which is a good indication of his ability to step up when it matters, a trait coaches love. I suspect Ross Lyon will want to develop him in the WAFL first, to see how he performs before considering him for an AFL debut.
WILL HAYES (Western Bulldogs) $117,300 MID
Keep an eye on this guy. The Bulldogs and coach Luke Beveridge have a habit of plucking players out of their VFL side or state leagues and turning them into good contributors at AFL level and Hayes could be the latest. The Bulldogs know exactly what he’s capable of given he played for Footscray in the VFL and led the club for average disposals (26 per game) and contested possessions, while he can also win his fair share of ball on the outside. I don’t think he’ll play straight away but more strong performances at VFL level will see him rise into AFL calculations quickly as the Bulldogs look to rise back up the ladder. He’s a smoky pick. Could he be the Billy Gowers of 2019?
TOM ATKINS (Geelong) $112,900 MID
Atkins had another great year for Geelong’s VFL side last year and was finally rewarded as the Cats picked him up in the rookie draft. The Cats - like the Bulldogs - have a knack for plucking players out of their VFL system and turning them into very good AFL player. He might be the next Tom Stewart. For me, keep a very, very close eye on him because I can see him coming in and playing a role. He can play both midfield and half-back and I think there is a spot for him to potentially help to release Zach Tuohy. He was top-10 in the VFL for contested possessions, score assists, hard ball gets, clearances and tackles. Has the potential to be a nice SuperCoach scorer.
JOSH CORBETT (Gold Coast) $123,900 FWD
Like Sam Collins and Chris Burgess, Corbett is a mature-age recruit for Gold Coast who should play from Round 1 and be a regular fixture up forward for the Suns. He is a great contested mark but be mindful of the fact he’s coming in and playing against AFL defenders, which is a big jump from VFL. He’s a wait and see for mine because I’m not sure he’ll average enough to make you enough money as a cash cow.
IRVING MOSQUITO (Essendon) $117,300 MID/FWD
One of the most popular cash cow picks so far (over 18 per cent ownership) but I wouldn’t be picking him in my side. Mosquito will create so much excitement in the future because he’s got that X-factor about him and he chases, tackles and does all those eye-catching things but the reality is he’s behind Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and even Devon Smith in that role. They’ve got it covered for now and 2019 will be a development year for him unless the Bombers have a bad run with injuries.
SHANE McADAM (Adelaide) $123,900 FWD
McAdam has X-factor and will likely fill that Charlie Cameron role alongside Eddie Betts that the Crows have lacked since his departure to Brisbane. He’s the type of player who could kick four on debut but I’d be wary of him in SuperCoach. Small forwards are often very up and down with their scoring. He’s an opportunist. Pass.
TOBE WATSON (Fremantle) $102,400 DEF/MID
A 20-year-old from Swan Districts, he had a good year in the WAFL as an intercept defender and won his fair share of the ball, averaging 20 disposals per game. His dual position status as a defender and midfielder makes him appealing, as well as his bargain-basement price, but I feel the Fremantle defence is pretty set with the likes of Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan and Nathan Wilson. Watson will be a depth player but if Fremantle do get some injuries, I think he has good scoring potential because he reads the play really well and knows how to find the ball.
BAILEY SMITH (Western Bulldogs) $180,300 MID
I’d be seriously looking at Smith. If he gets an early debut, and by all reports he has performed really well over the pre-season, then I’m confident he will grab his opportunity with both hands and become a regular contributor at AFL level. He wins plenty of the ball and is a hard nut. He’s got a good enough body, nous and footy smarts to make a quick transition to AFL level. He won’t be overawed. Smith could also be used as a high half-forward who rolls through the midfield.
CEDRIC COX (Brisbane Lions) $166,100 DEF
Cox is entering his third season and is ready to have a breakout year in my opinion. He has enormous talent, I had a bit do with him when I was at North Ballarat as he played a few games at VFL level with us in 2016 as an under-18s player and was really impressed. He’s got all the tricks. I expect that now he’s in his third year, he’s ready to step up and be great value as an outside winger and playmaker who can also play across half-back or across half-forward. I expect him to play regular senior footy for the Lions this year and he has enough tricks to earn SuperCoach points. Keep a very close eye on him. He’s a very exciting player, he’s quick and his kicking is elite. He’s also got dancing feet.
LEWIS PIERCE (St Kilda) $235,600 RUC
Pierce will set you back a bit more than a rookie normally would but given the conundrum in the ruck this year, the Saints big man is seriously worth considering as your second starting ruck. Pierce played for Frankston last year in the VFL and became the No.1 ruckman and won a best-and-fairest. He played the last three games for the Saints at AFL level and acquitted himself really well and I believe he will go past Billy Longer this year and be St Kilda’s No.1 ruckman. He’s a very good tap ruckman and he’s good around the ground; he takes marks, can win a ground ball and is a reasonable kick. He’s be great value at his price if you’re willing to take a risk.
ZAC CLARKE (Essendon) $142,600 RUC
Had a year out of the game and arrives at Essendon as the back-up ruckman, at this stage, to Tom Bellchambers but I think Clarke will play a bit of footy this year. He averaged 96 points in his best SuperCoach season back in 2013 and I think the style of footy the Bombers play will suit him because he likes to use his athleticism. I liken him a little bit - although he’s not the same player - to Mark Blicavs in the way he plays because he can run and jump and take a mark. Bellchambers is a bit injury-prone, so watch this space.
MICHAEL GIBBONS (Carlton) $102,400 MID
Gibbons has finally earned his AFL opportunity with Carlton and it’s been a long time coming. The Blues wouldn’t have signed him without seeing a role for him at AFL level, given how much training and match simulation they wanted to see from him before agreeing to put him on the rookie list. I expect him to be part of Carlton’s Round 1 team and become a consistent and reliable performer in the midfield. You know what you’re going to get from him that’s for sure. At $102,400 he’s going to be outstanding value. Lock him in.
Originally published as Gary Buckenara names the best SuperCoach cash cow prospects
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