SuperCoach 2025: AFL captains reveal top picks, breakouts at their clubs

Who is ready to explode this season? AFL captains share their inside tips on the best SuperCoach picks at their club, including a huge rookie smokie.

Nailing the breakout players, finding the dark horses and picking the best premiums are the keys to success in SuperCoach.

And who better to help you make the right calls than the AFL captains.

Check out the responses from the skippers from Monday’s captains day.

Who will be the breakout player from your club?

ZACH MERRETT: We’ve got a few breakout players who I think will come onto the scene. I reckon Elijah Tsatas ($191,200 MID)would be a good pick-up. Sam Durham ($482,300 MID) will go to a new level as well, he’ll be very impactful. And first-yearer Isaac Kako ($149,500 MID/FWD)as well, he’ll be really fun to watch and if you’ve got him in your team you’ll love some of the goals he kicks.

TOBY NANKERVIS: Tom Brown ($302,000 DEF) will have a good year down back, Sam Banks ($252,500 MID) is another one who’s had a really strong pre-season.

ALEX PEARCE: Matthew Johnson ($341,500 MID) has a chance to break out. Corey Wagner ($341,300 DEF)on the half-back line, I think he can cement his spot in the team, a typical half-back and get a few cheap stats.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is poised for a huge year. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

JACK STEELE: Although we’ve seen some very good signs of him early, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ($543,700 DEF) is probably the one that I’d keep an eye on. He’s just hot at the moment and he’s in for a big year.

MARCUS BONTEMPELLI: Joel Freijah ($370,400 DEF) is probably my pick so far. Had a great pre-season, he’ll play in our backline and create good run and dash from there, so look out for Joel.

CONNOR ROZEE: Joe Berry ($140,500 FWD). A rookie pick. Good value.

LIAM DUGGAN: If you want a breakout player for us, I’d get on Elijah Hewett ($122,800 FWD-MID).

JAMES SICILY: Cam Mackenzie ($327,900 MID).

Joel Freijah is a player to watch at half-back for the Bulldogs. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

NOAH ANDERSON: Will Graham ($341,700 MID).

JY SIMPKIN: Josh Goater ($151,400 DEF)when he gets back from his hamstring injury.

TOBY GREENE: Toby McMullin ($235,800 FWD).

MAX GAWN: I like to go someone who’s played for a long time but is randomly going to breakout. So Harvey Langford ($181,000 MID) is an obvious one, but I’m going to take Ed Langdon ($432,300 MID). I’m gonna say he’s going to start playing more mid time and then he’s going to get mid numbers.

Brisbane Lions Academy player Ty Gallop is a SuperCoach smokie. Picture: Ben Grimes

LACHIE NEALE: Ty Gallop ($113,500 FWD). Forward option. Something a bit different. Levi Ashcroft ($185,500 MID) is the obvious answer for everyone but I’ll go with Ty. And Will Ashcroft ($441,200 MID)will spend a lot of time in the midfield.

Who would be your first player picked in SuperCoach Draft?

ZACH MERRETT: Marcus Bontempelli would score very heavily, super consistent player, has been for a long time so I’d take him pick 1.

TOBY NANKERVIS: I think the ruckman generally go all right so probably big Maxy (Gawn) or Rowan Marshall.

ALEX PEARCE: Probably the Bont.

JACK STEELE: I know Jack Macrae is a teammate but there’s a lot of value in him. I know I could pick anyone, but I think he’s the one that I would pick.

MARCUS BONTEMPELLI: Nick Daicos. Obviously accumulates very well, loves a one-two he’ll maximise on.

CONNOR ROZEE: I’d say Buttsy (Zak Butters).

Zach Merrett is one of the top midfielders in SuperCoach. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

LIAM DUGGAN: I’m looking at him right now – Zach Merrett. I don’t know how he scores but he’s always involved and is a good user, never turns it over. So if that’s how it all works, get Zach Merrett in.

JAMES SICILY: One of the rucks. Maxy Gawn.

NOAH ANDERSON: Sam Flanders.

JY SIMPKIN: Caleb Daniel.

TOBY GREENE: Well, Tom Green would be right up there – he’s a bit of a pig. The half-backs that don’t get touched like Nic Martin; Whitters (Lachie Whitfield) is bloody good, he gets a bit of attention, though.

Max Gawn works up a sweat at pre-season training. Picture: Michael Klein

MAX GAWN: I’ve been top three for 10 years. If I’m not somewhere around the first round of picking it’ll be interesting. There are a few rucks who have probably gone past me so I can see why I wouldn’t be. Let’s go someone other than me – let’s go Clayton (Oliver).

LACHIE NEALE: It would have to be Nick Daicos, wouldn’t it?

Who is a dark horse pick from your club?

JAMES SICILY: I reckon “Daysy” (Will Day $491,300 MID) can get up to the $900k mark.

NOAH ANDERSON: From the Suns a bit of a dark horse will be Sam Clohesy ($375,600 MID).

Will Day could be a big SuperCoach money maker. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

JY SIMPKIN: Paul Curtis ($318,100 FWD).

TOBY GREENE: Lachie Ash ($456,700 DEF) can go to another level.

MAX GAWN: Caleb Windsor ($321,300 MID).

LACHIE NEALE: Zac Bailey ($379,900 FWD/MID). He probably didn’t score that well last year, I’m not too sure, but he’s had a great pre-season so I feel like Bails will explode this year.

Originally published as SuperCoach 2025: AFL captains reveal top picks, breakouts at their clubs