KFC SuperCoach AFL Round 1 preview: How to prepare for team selection, debuts
A full-blown KFC SuperCoach rookie crisis in defence has been averted with some great news. See every confirmed debutant in our Round 1 guide.
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AFL clubs have delivered some early good news for KFC SuperCoaches.
Plenty of potential KFC SuperCoach cash cows have been confirmed as Round 1 debutants — you can lock these names into your teams with confidence.
On Friday morning, Hawthorn announced popular trio Jacob Koschitzke, Tyler Brockman and Connor Downie will all play against the Bombers on Saturday night but the best news of all came hours later.
Our KFC SuperCoach rookie saviour in defence, Tom Highmore, is in for the Saints, with the mature-age recruit to make his debut on Sunday afternoon.
Lions bolter Harry Sharp is in, too, easing the pain of no Lachie Jones at Port Adelaide.
On Wednesday, the Western Bulldogs confirmed bargain-basement rookies Anthony Scott and Lachlan McNeil will both play against Collingwood on Friday night.
Scott is an early candidate for the feel-good story of the season after being added to the list at age 25 following his best-and-fairest win at VFL club Footsray in 2019.
He showed he belongs at the top level with 14 disposals and two goals against Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series.
SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR FULL GUIDE TO EVERY ROUND 1 ROOKIE SCENARIO
Earlier, Sydney announced it would blood three new faces in Round 1, while Fremantle and GWS will play ruckmen in their first AFL games.
CONFIRMED ROUND 1 DEBUTS
Matthew Flynn ($123k RUC) — GWS Giants, Sunday 3.20pm (AEDT)
Tanner Bruhn ($157k MID) — GWS Giants, Sunday 3.20pm
Tom Highmore ($117,300 DEF) — St Kilda, Sunday 3.20pm
Braeden Campbell ($189k FWD-MID) — Sydney, Saturday 7.45pm
Logan McDonald ($193k FWD) — Sydney, Saturday 7.45pm
Errol Gulden ($117k MID) — Sydney, Saturday 7.45pm
Harry Sharp ($117,300 MID-DEF) — Brisbane, Saturday 7.45pm
Oliver Henry ($135k FWD) — Collingwood, Friday 7.50pm
Lachlan McNeil ($102k MID) — Western Bulldogs, 7.50pm Friday
Anthony Scott ($102k FWD-MID) — Western Bulldogs, 7.50pm Friday
Lloyd Meek ($123k RUC) — Fremantle, Saturday 1.45pm
Nik Cox ($175 DEF-FWD) — Essendon, Saturday 7.25pm
Harrison Jones ($123k FWD) — Essendon, Saturday 7.25pm
Connor Downie *SUB* ($117k MID) — Hawthorn, Saturday 7.25pm
Tyler Brockman ($117k MID-FWD) — Hawthorn, Saturday 7.25pm
Jacob Koschitzke ($123k DEF) — Hawthorn, Saturday 7.25pm
James Jordon ($123k MID) — Melbourne, Saturday 1.45pm
Sam Berry ($117k MID) — Adelaide, Saturday 4.35pm
James Rowe ($117k FWD) — Adelaide, Saturday 4.35pm
Tom Powell ($153,300 MID) — North Melbourne, Sunday 1.10pm
Miles Bergman ($123,900 FWD) — Port Adelaide, Sunday 1.10pm
Paul Hunter ($102k RUC) — St Kilda, Sunday 3.20pm
HOW TO SURVIVE ROUND 1 ROOKIE ROULETTE
The best-laid KFC SuperCoach plans can go awry in Round 1.
Rolling lockout can be both a friend and enemy of KFC SuperCoach teams, especially when unlimited trades are in play.
Coaches will have the added challenge of teams being announced the night before games this season, as was the case last year.
That could have a significant impact on the final make-up of KFC SuperCoach teams with popular cheapies such as Lachie Jones, Tom Highmore and Jacob Wehr playing on Sunday in Round 1.
The beauty if many teams have taken to naming their debutants early in the week, with Matthew Flynn, Anthony Scott and Lloyd Meek among those already locked in for Round 1.
You can check out the full list of Round 1 debutants below.
We’ve taken a look at the likely scenarios and the bail outs which could save your team if your plans go amiss during the first rolling lockout of 2021.
Players are locked out as soon as their team’s match starts, although the rolling lockout means you can still manoeuvre your team as late as Sunday evening.
Every borderline rookie is assessed below, with our thoughts on how to pivot your team if selection goes against you.
ROUND 1 FIXTURE
Thursday, March 18 (Times EDT)
FRIDAY TEAMS ANNOUNCED APPROX 6.20PM
Richmond v Carlton, MCG 7.25pm
Friday, March 19
SATURDAY TEAMS ANNOUNCED APPROX 6.20PM
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs, MCG 7.50pm
Saturday, March 20
Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG 1.45pm
Adelaide Crows v Geelong Cats, Adelaide Oval 4.35pm
SUNDAY TEAMS ANNOUNCED APPROX 6.20PM
Essendon v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium 7.25pm
Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans, The Gabba 7.45pm
Sunday, March 21
North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium 1.10pm
GWS Giants v St Kilda, Giants Stadium 3.20pm
West Coast Eagles v Gold Coast Suns, Optus Stadium 6.10pm
Watch every match of the 2021 AAMI Community Series LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
FRIDAY NIGHT
COLLINGWOOD
Trent Bianco ($123k DEF-MID)
If he’s named: Definitely consider him for your defence. Ideally for a bench spot in case Lachie Jones, Will Gould, Tom Highmore or Jacob Wehr are named.
If he’s not named: Pray one of those four others are or that his teammate Isaac Chugg ($102k DEF-FWD) is.
Nathan Murphy ($123k DEF)
If he’s named: Similar to Bianco. Bench spot. Take Bianco for his DPP if both play. Their job security might not be great but can you really pass on a guaranteed defensive rookie?
If he’s not named: See above.
Finlay Macrae ($126k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: You almost have to pick him. The DPP is very appealing. Might be best for the forward bench with emergency as there seems to be enough midfield rookies.
If he’s not named: Let’s hope Ely Smith is. There’s always James Rowe and Josh Treacy up forward too.
Oliver Henry ($135k FWD)
If he’s named: It seems certain he’s going to be! A rookie with decent job security could be like gold this year. Just not sure on his scoring potential as a young forward – would a 50 average be enough? He scored seven points in his second pre-season game.
If he’s not named: It will be a big surprise.
Isaac Chugg ($102k DEF-FWD)
If he’s named: Then lock him in as your D8. He might not play every week but that DPP will be huge for trades during the season.
If he’s not named: It won’t be a shock. You could still pick him as a loophole option.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Lachlan McNeil ($102k FWD) and Anthony Scott ($102k FWD-MID)
If they’re named: They’re definitely worth considering. Both had encouraging pre-season numbers. The knock is their job security, but Scott in particular is firming for Round 1.
If they’re not named: They don’t have much value for loopholes as the Dogs play early in most of the first six rounds.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan ($207k FWD)
If he’s named: Still ignore. There’s better options around the same price.
If he’s not named: You can’t pay $207k for a player who isn’t picked.
FRIDAY NIGHT
MELBOURNE
Jake Bowey ($117K FWD-MID)
If he’s named: You’d think about picking him, but his job security might be an issue.
If he’s not named: No issue, there’s enough midfield and forward rookie options.
Bailey Laurie ($117k DEF-FWD)
If he’s named: It’d come as a surprise. You would consider him, but only as a defender because the options are limited.
If he’s not named: Hopefully Lachie Jones, Tom Highmore and/or Will Gould are on Saturday night otherwise we might be in trouble.
James Jordon ($123k MID)
If he’s named: After he was part of the starting midfield with Oliver and Petracca in pre-season, he’d be a perfect bench midfield pick. The issue might be when Jack Viney and Angus Brayshaw return though.
If he’s not named: Then it would mean Viney and Brayshaw are back from injury, pushing Jordon down the pecking order. Keep him on the watchlist as a mid-season downgrade instead.
Kade Chandler ($161k FWD)
If he’s named: His scoring is still going to be an issue, as it is for most small forwards. Ned Cahill is the same price and has a friendlier role at halfback for Essendon.
If he’s not named: Just pick Cahill who almost certainly will be.
FREMANTLE
Josh Treacy ($102k FWD-RUC)
If he’s named: We have a perfect F8 — assuming of course you’re planning to have Matthew Flynn from GWS Giants at R3 if he plays in Round 1.
If he’s not named: You could pick him as a loophole anyway. He’s shown enough to suggest he’ll get an early debut.
Lloyd Meek ($123k RUC)
If he’s named: Then you will need to make a tough call between Meek and Flynn as your R3. Meek’s pre-season was encouraging and the Dockers have suggested Sean Darcy could play forward when he returns due to other injuries.
If he’s not named: Matthew Flynn should be on Saturday night.
Luke Valente ($123k MID)
If he’s named: He’s going to be a popular midfield rookie. Hopefully he gets some time in the engine room where Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, Nat Fyfe and Adam Cerra have been Justin Longmuir’s leading options. He’s an outside chance at best though.
If he’s not named: Hope Connor Downie, Errol Gulden and Ely Smith are.
Heath Chapman ($148k DEF)
If he’s named: We might have no choice but to pick him — especially with doubts over whether Lachie Jones, Will Gould and Tom Highmore will be picked. Unfortunately Fremantle’s game is before the Sunday teams will be announced.
If he’s not named: Pray for some good news on Saturday night.
Liam Henry ($184k FWD)
If he’s named: Not sure he’ll score well enough to justify the price. You might as well find the extra $28k to get Jarman Impey.
If he’s not named: There’s a bounty of forward options anyway.
ADELAIDE
James Rowe ($117k FWD)
If he’s named: He’ll be one of the most-popular starting rookies of 2021. Don’t expect big scores but Rowe’s job security looks solid with Tyson Stengle suspended.
If he’s not named: It’s not quite panic stations, but it’s definitely a spanner in the works.
Sam Berry ($117k MID)
If he’s named: It’s a big tick for his hopes of playing regularly this year. He has the mature body to have an impact and must be in the mix for a midfield bench spot.
If he’s not named: Plan to grab him when he’s on the bubble as he should play enough games to become a cash cow later on.
Josh Worrell ($123k DEF-FWD)
If he’s named: Then it likely means Tom Doedee didn’t recover in time for Round 1 from a groin injury. Doedee won’t be far away though so Worrell’s time in the senior team could be limited.
If he’s not named: Cross another potential defensive rookie off the list.
Luke Pedlar ($162k MID)
If he’s named: That price is still an issue, especially when there’s enough $123k midfield rookies in the mix.
If he’s not named: Downie, Gulden or DPP FWD-MID Tyler Brockman should be.
Jordon Butts ($176k DEF)
If he’s named: Two games for scores of 40 and 54 last year don’t suggest he’ll be a great scorer — take the chance and hope Jones, Highmore and/or Gould plays.
If he’s not named: It might save you a tough call on whether to lock in a key defender just because he’s named or to hope for good news at selection on Saturday.
Riley Thilthorpe ($202k RUC-FWD)
If he’s named: The wing role in a trial and dominant game in a SANFL hitout were tempting. But at that price there’s way better options than a rookie big man who’s likely to be managed through his debut campaign.
If he’s not named: Impey, Jack Ziebell and Joe Daniher should be. Paddy Dow will already be locked out.
GEELONG
Francis Evans ($123k FWD)
If he’s named: The question will be how long he can stay in Geelong’s team? It’s hard to trust Cats rookies after many KFC SuperCoaches were burned by Charlie Constable in 2019.
If he’s not named: Don’t panic — the forward rookies have more depth than any other line this year and Rowe almost certainly will be.
Cooper Stephens ($123k MID)
If he’s named: You’ll need to consider him. It seems a long shot when Geelong has a bevy of midfielders but Stephens averaged 96.5 in 13 NAB League games in 2018-19. He might be a better prospect for 2022.
If he’s not named: He’s not in many teams anyway.
Jordan Clark ($241k DEF-MID)
If he’s named: Then pick him. His job security is a worry but if he keeps playing like he did against Essendon in pre-season there’s no way he’ll be dropped.
If he’s not named: There’s still plenty of time to find a defensive replacement. Hayden Young ($279k) is only slightly more expensive and Jack Buckley or Connor Idun from GWS Giants are cheaper.
ESSENDON
Harrison Jones ($123k FWD)
If he’s named: History suggests young key forwards aren’t prolific scorers but his job security seems as good as any rookie this year. He’d be a definite F7 or F8 option.
If he’s not named: Then Alec Waterman will almost certainly be partnering Peter Wright and Cale Hooker in attack and you can choose him instead.
Ned Cahill ($161k FWD)
If he’s named: Cahill’s switch to halfback has made him one of the best rookie forwards this year. His quality by foot suits KFC SuperCoach and he should be a top cash cow who still has relatively low ownership.
If he’s not named: Cross him off your list of KFC SuperCoach options. Even if he comes in for Round 2 or 3 his job security would be a huge concern.
Archie Perkins ($171k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: There’s still better options in attack. The word out of Tullamarine is he’ll play mostly in the forward 50 anyway.
If he’s not named: Downgrade him to a $123k or $117k option and deploy the extra $50k elsewhere to bolster your team. You could turn a mid-pricer into a premium with that cash.
Nik Cox ($175k DEF-FWD)
If he’s named: KFC SuperCoaches will be scrambling to find out more about him. Cox is an athletic tall who averaged 75 ranking points in the NAB League in 2019. There’s talk he might play on a wing and with so few defensive options, his ownership is on the rise.
If he’s not named: It could still be OK. By the time Hawthorn’s match against Essendon starts at 7.25pm, we’ll know if Jones, Gould, Highmore and Jacob Wehr are playing anyway.
Alec Waterman ($102k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: He’ll go from the WAFL in 2020 to one of the most-popular KFC SuperCoach players of 2021. Mature-ager whose job security looks sound and scored well in the state league.
If he’s not named: He’ll be stiff considering he kicked four goals in a trial against Carlton. You could still loophole via Waterman and hope he plays in Round 2 or 3.
HAWTHORN
Jack Saunders ($102k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: Then we’ve lost the best captaincy loophole option of the opening six rounds.
If he’s not named: Chuck the captaincy on him if Brodie Grundy goes large against the Bulldogs — as he often does — or Max Gawn annihilates Fremantle and you have either ruckman as your vice-captain early in the round.
Connor Downie ($117k MID)
If he’s named: It’ll confirm him as one of the must-have cash cows of 2021.
If he’s not named: Alastair Clarkson must not like KFC SuperCoaches. All signs point to an early debut, so you could still start him in anticipation.
Jacob Koschitzke ($123k DEF)
If he’s named: Assess the rookie situation before picking him. A key position-player slated for a forward line role in a team not expected to contend for finals is unlikely to score well. But if we have no other choice, pick him. Just be mindful he won’t kick six goals every week as he did against North Melbourne.
If he’s not named: Be prepared to shuffle your backline stocks. If you need to have Hayden Young, Isaac Cumming or Connor Idun as your D6 to avoid a donut, so be it.
Denver Grainger-Barras ($184k DEF)
If he’s named: We might need to consider him. He got towelled up in an intraclub by Tim O’Brien and then played in the second match rather than a trial, which suggests a Round 1 berth is unlikely. He averaged 75 ranking points in the WAFL.
If he’s not named: It’s easier to distribute cash than it is to find an extra $60k for a top-priced rookie. If DGB missed but Will Gould was named, that’s an easy swap. Trade him to one of the Saturday night rookies then reassess.
Finn Maginness ($195k MID)
If he’s named: There’s still better midfield rookies available for much cheaper.
If he’s not named: Then it makes the choice even easier.
Tyler Brockman ($117k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: Lock him in without hesitation after that dazzling pre-season game against North Melbourne. His DPP is a bonus for trades.
If he’s not named: You could still pick him anyway if you’re short on bench rookies and hope for a Round 2 or 3 debut. Not every rookie plays their first game in the opening round after all.
BRISBANE LIONS
Nakia Cockatoo ($123k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: Then he’s made a miracle recovery from a hamstring injury which derailed his Round 1 chances.
If he’s not named: He'll feature at some point if the history of Brisbane’s medical staff is anything to go by. Jump on then.
Ely Smith ($123k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: Start him. He’s done everything right in pre-season and looks set to have a chance to press his claims after Cam Rayner’s knee injury. Many KFC SuperCoaches assumed Brandon Starcevich would be dropped early last year and he became a key cog in the Lions’ side.
If he’s not named: You can probably rule a line through him as an option for the season.
Tom Fullarton ($128k RUC-FWD)
If he’s named: Then Dan McStay’s five-to-six week injury lay-off might have just made him the late pre-season bolter. Pick him as a forward, not a ruckman.
If he’s not named: There won’t be a shortage of rookie ruckmen available, headlined by Flynn and Meek. Meek will be locked out by Saturday night though.
Deven Robertson ($176k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: Do you want a repeat of 2020? He was a late inclusion in Round 1 then didn’t play again. Don’t pay $176k for a rookie who comes with risk.
If he’s not named: You have a host of other options to choose from.
SYDNEY
Errol Gulden ($117k MID)
If he’s named: It seems certain he will be. Pick him and even consider having him at M8 if you need to field a rookie in your midfield. His pre-season trial against GWS was eye-catching.
If he’s not named: John Longmire is toying with KFC SuperCoaches. First Will Gould, now Gulden? Surely not.
Will Gould ($123k DEF)
If he’s named: Buy a lotto ticket as Christmas has come early! He’s a genuine D6 option.
If he’s not named: Curse the fact 2021 might not be a better year than 2020 as we had hoped.
Matthew Ling ($163k DEF)
If he’s named: His scoring last year still doesn’t justify picking him, especially at an elevated price. Ling posted 47, 33 and 11 points in his three games last year.
If he’s not named: Hope it means Gould is.
Braeden Campbell ($189k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: He could be as close as we get to Sam Walsh of 2019 or Matthew Rowell of 2020. He went at 69.8 per cent disposal efficiency in three NEAFL games last season and the Swans want to use him across halfback. His DPP is a bonus.
If he’s not named: He’s going to be hard to trade in due to being more than $60k more expensive than most rookies.
Logan McDonald ($193k FWD)
If he’s named: Key forwards don’t score well in KFC SuperCoach and you’d be wise to look elsewhere.
If he’s not named: It could mean Isaac Heeney spends more time forward which isn’t great news for his scoring prospects.
SATURDAY NIGHT
NORTH MELBOURNE
Eddie Ford ($117k FWD) and Phoenix Spicer ($117k FWD-MID)
If they’re named: Don’t expect big scores. Especially if they’re playing in the Roos forward line.
If they’re not named: It doesn’t mean they won’t feature in 2021. Keep an eye on their VFL form.
Charlie Lazzaro ($117k MID)
If he’s named: You have to consider him. In eight NAB League games in 2019, Lazzaro only scored less than 87 ranking points once and averaged 20 disposals. He played in the first trial game over top draftee Will Phillips too.
If he’s not named: Then it could mean Phillips and Tom Powell are.
Tom Powell ($153k MID)
If he’s named: He’s a lock based on his junior numbers. How can you leave out a first-round draftee who averaged 154 ranking points in the SANFL under-18s last year?
If he’s not named: Lazzaro should be. Pivot from one Roo to another.
Atu Bosenavulagi ($175k FWD)
If he’s named: You still shouldn’t pay $175k for a small forward.
If he’s not named: It doesn’t cost much to grab his captain Jack Ziebell instead.
Flynn Perez ($193k DEF)
If he’s named: He becomes a real POD option, especially with the lack of defensive rookies. Perez scored 50 and 74 in two of his three games last year — let’s not talk about his 11 though. If you were prepared to pay $184k for Grainger-Barrass, why not find the extra $9k?
If he’s not named: Highmore might be and there’s nothing wrong with banking an extra $76k. Even Lachie Jones is $54k cheaper.
Will Phillips ($198k MID)
If he’s named: Being left out of the first trial game might still scare plenty of coaches off. $198k is a lot to pay if you’re not confident he’ll be picked every week.
If he’s not named: Downgrade to someone who is and use that extra $75k wisely.
Connor Menadue ($201k DEF)
If he’s named: You might need to make a choice between him and new teammate Lachie Young. The DPP probably tips that argument in Young’s favour.
If he’s not named: Hopefully Lachie Jones is. That downgrade would free up $62k. Jacob Wehr and Tom Highmore are also a chance.
Lachie Young ($202k DEF-MID)
If he’s named: See above.
If he’s not named: It depends where you planned to field him. In defence you have Wehr, Highmore and Jones as the best options. In midfield it gets tricky with many of the top picks locked out by Saturday night. Swing some DPP magic if you can to come out with the best result.
PORT ADELAIDE
Lachie Jones ($139k DEF)
If he’s named: Kochie should sign Ken Hinkley to a 10-year deal because the man gets KFC SuperCoaches. Pick Jones without hesitation after he racked up 43 points in no time against the Crows in pre-season.
If he’s not named: Panic. Or downgrade to Highmore or Wehr, assuming you would already have Gould in the hope he’s playing.
Miles Bergman ($123k FWD)
If he’s named: He’s still down the pecking order due to job security. And other forward rookies such as Rowe and Treacy will already be locked so it’s unlikely you’ll have room anyway.
If he’s not named: Hopetfully he debuts when other cash cows have hit their peak price and we’re looking to jump off. There’s not many forward options left but if you’re quick you could squeeze Ely Smith or Harrison Jones in before lockout of the Saturday night games.
Tyson Goldsack ($182k DEF)
If he’s named: He surely won’t play regularly enough to be considered anyway.
If he’s not named: Hope Wehr or Highmore are. You’ll have about an hour after Sunday teams are named to trade for Saturday night players, so a straight swap to Nik Cox could be the play.
GWS GIANTS
Jacob Wehr ($117k DEF)
If he’s named: Maybe Leon Cameron does like us after all. After the frustration he caused us with Jackson Hately two seasons ago, surely he owes us this one? The tricky part will be how many rookie spots you have left come Saturday night to fill — especially if Jones, Wehr and Highmore are named. Connor Idun ($214k) and Jack Buckley ($223k) seem more likely for that halfback role though.
If he’s not named: Could you afford the extra $170k to get Isaac Cumming instead? It’s a smaller jump to Idun and Buckley who have done a lot right in pre-season.
Matthew Flynn ($123k RUC)
If he’s named: Then he should be the first player picked in every KFC SuperCoach team this year. How often do first-choice ruckmen at $123k come around in Round 1?
If he’s not named: Go get a KFC Family Feast to soothe your pain. Seriously though, he’s going to play. Isn’t he? Leon? The only realistic move would be a downgrade to Paul Hunter if he debuts for St Kilda.
Tanner Bruhn ($157k MID)
If he’s named: He’s tempting. But despite a few departures GWS still has a deep midfield and we know the club has a history of rotating its rookies. Tread carefully if he’s playing predominantly as a small forward. He’s not going to kick bags of four goals every game.
If he’s not named: Trade him to Alex Davies from Gold Coast to free up cash, or swing a forward into your midfield and grab Ned Cahill from Essendon before the Bombers’ Saturday night game. There’s only $4k between them.
Kieren Briggs ($123k DEF-FWD)
If he’s named: Then pick him in your defence. We can’t pass up defensive rookies this year.
If he’s not named: Rejoice that Flynn has got the No. 1 ruck job.
Isaac Cumming ($288k DEF)
If he’s named: He’s tempting, but it really comes down to your defensive structure. If you already locked in Hayden Young, two low-range mid-pricers in defence might be one too many.
If he’s not named: Then note who’s taking the kick-outs for GWS as they could be a KFC SuperCoach bolter.
Jack Buckley ($223k DEF)
If he’s named: He could get us out of a defensive rookie bind. Buckley scored 90 on debut last year (followed by a 29) but has had an impressive pre-season playing in the Giants defence. His job security is decent with doubts over when Lachie Whitfield returns.
If he’s not named: And you still want a Giant, then read on about Connor Idun.
Connor Idun ($214k DEF)
If he’s named: Then we might have our D6 — depending on cheaper options such as Jones, Highmore and Gould. His scores might only be 50-60 but that’s better than copping a donut. Idun scored 69 against Sydney in pre-season playing in defence.
If he’s not named: You might want to look at Buckley instead.
ST KILDA
Paul Hunter ($102k RUC)
If he’s named: Matthew Flynn is still the man, pending selection of course. If Flynn isn’t named then go with Hunter and hope he makes enough cash before the Ryder-Marshall combination resumes.
If he’s not named: Hopefully Flynn is. You could always pick one of Flynn and Hunter as a loophole at R3 anyway.
Thomas Highmore ($117k DEF)
If he’s named: Then we knew there was a reason so many neutrals embraced the Saints as their second team in last year’s finals. He only needs to play well to hold his spot for a long time — look at someone like Callum Wilkie who followed the same path through the SANFL.
If he’s not named: Please let Wehr or Jones be picked. Otherwise you might have to find the extra $60k and make a quick move to Nik Cox on Saturday night before Essendon’s game starts.
WEST COAST
Zane Trew ($102k MID)
If he’s named: Then Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo are likely still out. You imagine Trew would be on the chopping block before generating much cash. Pass.
If he’s not named: There’s better loophole options with DPP (Jack Saunders).
Mark Hutchings ($157k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: He won’t be — Hutchings is recovering from a knee injury and is set to miss the start of the season.
If he’s not named: He’s an easy swap to Ned Cahill if you want someone at a similar price. There’s certainly no shortage of midfield and forward rookies.
Jamaine Jones ($182k FWD)
If he’s named: The promise of extra midfield time is sure to tempt some — but haven’t we heard that before? $182k is too much to pay.
If he’s not named: And you were in the few teams planning to start him, look at Flanders, Bergman or Ned Cahill.
Bailey Williams ($193k RUC-FWD)
If he’s named: You still have to wonder about the scoring capacity of a back-up ruckman. If Nic Nat is playing about 60 per cent game time and getting a chop out from Oscar Allen, where does Williams fit in?
If he’s not named: He’ll give Nic Nat assistance at some point but won’t be a factor in KFC SuperCoach.
GOLD COAST
Alex Davies ($102k MID)
If he’s named: Lock him in on your midfield bench and watch the cash roll in.
If he’s not named: Pick a loophole with DPP instead. Jack Saunders if you can make the swap by the start of Essendon v Hawthorn or teammate Aiden Fyfe come Sunday.
Elijah Hollands ($180k FWD-MID)
If he’s named: He won’t be in Round 1. The Suns are being cautious with his recovery from an ACL injury. Watch his first two games then assess Hollands when he’s on the bubble.
If he’s not named: He won’t be.
Sam Flanders ($192k FWD)
If he’s named: Flanders is said to have improved his fitness in an effort to rotate through the middle this year. But at that price, you want to know he’s a cash cow with solid job security and it’s hard to see him being a guaranteed selection each week.
If he’s not named: Like Hollands, there are a lot of get-out options. If you can find $40k quickly, Joe Daniher is within reach on Saturday night.
A FINAL WORD …
— If you’re unsure about rookies, it’s easier to start a player such as Denver Grainger-Barras ($184k) and then downgrade if he isn’t chosen. That way you’re freeing up cash, rather than making 2-3 trades to upgrade a $123k rookie who misses out.
— Have a bailout option. If all else fails on Sunday, who could you pick in the last game of Round 1 (West Coast v Gold Coast) that wouldn't throw your structure out? Could someone such as DEF-MID Aiden Fyfe at $102k be worthwhile? He won’t play much, if at all, but his DPP status could help your trades.
— Avoid jumping on the flavour of the round. Thousands of coaches were stuck with Deven Robertson last year when he was a late inclusion for Brisbane Lions in Round 1. He didn’t play again for the year and was stuck at M11 in many teams. If you’re confident a rookie could debut in Round 2 or 3, back them in.
— If you’re picking rookies as placeholders (pending selection) make sure you choose players whose teams play on Sunday. Zane Trew, Alex Davies or Aiden Fyfe would be good options.
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