KFC SuperCoach late mail: Selection news and whispers for Round 13

The KFC SuperCoach gods have delivered a gift but there are also some big rookie outs that will shake up Round 13. Here's everything you need to know.

The KFC SuperCoach gods – or in this instance, Alastair Clarkson – have delivered a gift in basement-price midfielder Jai Newcombe but it’s not all good news on the rookie front.

Popular Swan Chad Warner is out injured and midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins has been dropped from Richmond’s 25.

Given the upcoming bye, it means the pair will not be there for the next two rounds, at least, and, if they weren’t already, Warner and Collier-Dawkins should be at the top of your trade list to help you prepare for the difficult Round 14.

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Jai Newcombe has been rushed straight into the Hawthorn team.

Newcombe has the bargain basement price of $102,400 in the midfield after he was selected with pick 2 eight days ago.

The hard-running onballer impressed with the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL in the first half of the season, averaging 23.3 disposals (at 77 per cent efficiency), 7.3 tackles, 5.8 clearances and 112 KFC SuperCoach points.

Newcombe won’t rise in value until his third game but it wouldn’t surprise if he joins a lot of SuperCoach teams before then given he will play in Rounds 13 and 14 (we hope) when many teams will be struggling for numbers.

Jai Newcombe's past five KFC #SuperCoach scores in the VFL: 130, 121, 113, 105 and 121.

Averaged 24 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 6 clearances and 6 marks across those games

— The Phantom (@ThePhantomSC) June 10, 2021

He isn’t bye-free like the new Hawk, but Adelaide defender Josh Worrell ($123k DEF-FWD) will also play his first game on Saturday night.

The versatile 20-year-old has posted two KFC SuperCoach tons in the SANFL this year and is averaging seven intercepts and 82 points per game.

Worrell is a downgrade option to keep an eye on as we come out the other side of the bye rounds.

FULL TEAMS: ALL THE INS AND OUTS FOR ROUND 13

Crow Josh Worrell will make his AFL debut on Saturday. Picture: Sarah Reed

As are Dockers Joel Western ($117k MID) and Brandon Walker ($117k DEF) who will both make their debut against the Suns in Round 13.

Western could be the one to watch closely, though.

The 18-year-old speedster, who averaged 107 KFC SuperCoach points at WAFL Colts level last year, has been a standout at reserves level this season with his performance in Round 5’s WAFL derby the highlight.

The Dockers Academy graduate, who was taken at pick No. 54 in last year’s draft, tallied 26 disposals, 12 score involvements, 10 marks, three score assists and 132 points against the Eagles.

“He’s got some weapons that will translate well into AFL footy - mainly his speed,” Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said after Western’s performance last month.

MORE: AL PATON’S TOP 10 SUPERCOACH TRADE TARGETS

Riley Collier-Dawkins has been dropped. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

Worrell’s Adelaide teammate Sam Berry is back in after overcoming concussion, and given the omission of Warner and Collier-Dawkins, is one who KFC SuperCoaches may hold and field this week, given he could make some more cash – or at least hold his price – with a breakeven of 50.

The Crows take on a St Kilda 22 which features Tom Highmore this week, after the mature-age recruit scored 17 points as the sub in Round 13.

If he’s able to settle in to the customary half-back role – unlike last Saturday – Highmore, too, could reach his breakeven of 58.

As reported, Matt Rowell is straight back in for the Suns, as is defender Jack Bowes.

The two per cent of KFC SuperCoaches with Jy Farrar will be disappointed, though, with the 24-year-old dropped to make way for the returning duo.

WHEN TO STRIKE WITH ROWELL

A forgotten KFC SuperCoach favourite could be about to make a surprise return — and his timing couldn’t be better.

Gold Coast gun Matt Rowell is available for selection against Fremantle in Round 13 after recovering from a knee injury he suffered in Round 1.

“Matt’s done really well with his rehab and has been training with the group for the last couple of weeks,” Suns head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull told the club website.

“He’ll train on Wednesday and be available for selection on the weekend, which is really good news for Matt.”

Rowell was a popular KFC selection before Round 1, when he was picked in more than 72,000 teams.

Gold Coast young gun Matt Rowell has had no luck with injury.

Due to his early injury he scored just six points in that game which means his break even is 197 for his next match.

If he plays against the Dockers and falls short of that his value is set to fall dramatically from his set to be available for well under his $495,100 starting price.

That will make him a bargain buy in Round 15 or 16 but some will be tempted to go earlier and pay up for a player who has scored 80, 171, 141 and 114 in his non-injury affected games at AFL level.

DANGER MAN RETURNS

Patrick Dangerfield will play his first match since Round 5 when he runs out against Port Adelaide on Thursday night.

Geelong coach Chris Scott took the unusual step of revealing the Cats’ changes during his Wednesday press conference, confirming Dangerfield’s return after surgery on a syndesmosis tear.

Patrick Dangerfield has been following Geelong’s strict Covid-19 rules.

Scott said Mitch Duncan would also return from concussion alongside Mark Blicavs and Mark O’Connor.

But Cam Guthrie has not recovered from a shoulder injury.

The Cats’ outs include two-gamer Max Holmes, who was a popular recruit in KFC SuperCoach this week — hit the reverse trades button!

Dangerfield has a break even of 198 in KFC SuperCoach and is likely to be available for well under $600,000 heading into Round 14.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide rookie Miles Bergman is expected to return to the team after starting as the medical sub in Round 11. Matt Turner reports he is set to replace the injured Orazio Fantasia.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach late mail: Selection news and whispers for Round 13