AFL 2018 SuperCoach: North Melbourne young guns ripe for the picking

HE’S a top-10 draft pick available for a dirt cheap price. He’s also a dual-position player — but you’ve probably never heard of him. Meet the pick of the 2018 cash cows.

GILBERT GARDINER

2 min read

February 8, 2018 - 11:05AM

Supercoach

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WHAT can we expect from the Kangaroos in 2018?

The rewards far outweigh the risks at Arden Street, with a host of fantasy-relevant Kangaroos ripe of breakout seasons.

Luke Davies-Uniacke and Paul Ahern are the most popular Kangaroos in the game, but it’s the next bracket where SuperCoaches could get an edge on the competition.

In the short term, consider Alex Morgan, Ryan Clarke, Josh Williams, Mitch Hibberd and Jy Simpkin, while explosive midfielder Kyron Hayden could be popular as a downgrade target during the season.

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BEAST MODE: STRINGER TO FILL JOBE’S SHOES

Strongly-built Hayden, who was taken with pick no. 62 in the draft, had shoulder surgery in December to repair his AC joint.

Of the experienced brigade, Luke McDonald could be a genuine improver after moving into the midfield last year, while luckless defender Sam Wright is back training with the main group.

Wright averaged 76 points in 2015 before a wretched run with foot and ankle injuries.

Shaun Higgins evades Todd Goldstein in Kangaroos match simulation. Picture: Getty

PREMIUMS

Shaun Higgins $505,000 Midfielder

Higgins has long been a favourite of mine but since losing his dual position eligibility the silky-skilled midfielder is likely to fall sharply in the popularity stakes. A proven performer, Higgins scored eight tons in 21 games last year. He also had two 95+ scores.

Todd Goldstein $521,400 Ruckman

Pound for pound, Goldstein rivals Max Gawn as the best ruckman in the game for impact and ability to deliver captain-calibre scores. For Goldstein, it’s not so much about talent, but the role itself. He thrives on a heavy workload and being the big banana in the engine room. See what the Kangaroos do with Brayden Preuss before an investment in Goldstein.

MID-PRICERS

Jamie Macmillan $424,600 Defender

Only played 13 games last season, yet Macmillan still rated above average for disposals, metres gained and defensive pressure. According to Champion Data, Macmillan is ranked fourth of the top-100 players for intercept possessions per game.

Jy Simpkin $256,700 Forward

Simpkin is one worth watching in the preseason, especially if Kangaroos unleash the Mooroopna product into the midfield. The crafty forward relies of football smarts, instinct and courage on the field, attributes which could make him a valuable SuperCoach commodity in 2018.

Luke Davies-Uniacke looks an attractive SuperCoach option. Pic: Michael Klein

ROOKIES

Luke Davies-Uniacke $189,300 Midfielder

Set and forget. Above average contested ball winner and clearance specialist at under-18 level, Davies-Uniacke will get every chance at North Melbourne to showcase his wares. Averaged 134 SuperCoach in the TAC Cup last year, including one game where he scored 189 points from 33 disposals (21 contested) and 10 score involvements.

Paul Ahern $123,900 Midfielder/Forward

The forgotten 21-year-old ex-GWS Giant is on track to make his AFL debut after back-to-back knee reconstructions. Has been training in a variety of positions, including across half back where speed, game sense and distribution could make Ahern the pick of the 2018 cash cows.

NO-GO ZONE

Ben Cunnington $500,800 Midfielder

The gap between the SuperCoach best and worst of Cunnington is just too wide for the midfield extractor to be considered at the price. Cunnington has the tools to build a healthy average but all too often mixes in 50 and 60-point games.