AFL KFC SuperCoach: Which draftees could be rolled gold in 2021?
Which young guns have already made an impact at their new clubs? See how the top picks are tracking and if they are in the mix for Round 1.
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With the national draft over and the next generation of AFL stars welcomed by their new clubs, it no longer matters what pick they were taken, it is all about what they do next.
For some, next will be right away, while others will need to bide their time.
From first-round picks to rookie draft gold, DAN BATTEN and JORDAN PINTO look at the players most-likely to have an immediate impact at your club and in KFC SuperCoach in 2021.
ADELAIDE
JAMES ROWE
SC price: $117,300 Fwd
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 96
R1 likelihood: Very likely
After booting 35 goals in 2019, Rowe booted 38 majors in the minor rounds this year to win the Ken Farmer Medal as the SANFL’s leading goalkicker – the first 18 coming without a miss. There’s, arguably, no player from the 2020 draft class more ready for the AFL than Rowe, who boasts uncanny goal sense and elite footy IQ. And it looks like he will be needed, too, after Tyson Stengle’s last off-field incident.
SC verdict: A KFC SuperCoach lock. Rowe averaged 96 points per game as a small-forward in the SANFL and is close to basement price.
RILEY THILTHORPE
SC price: $202,800 Fwd/Ruck
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 96
R1 likelihood: 50/50
The Crows will want to put their highest-ever pick on show in 2021 and, after having a big impact at senior level over the past two years, Thilthorpe is ready. His hands are terrific in the air and even better on the ground and his ability to ruck as an extra midfielder makes him, almost immediately, Reilly O’Brien’s No. 2. If he can prove his groin problem is no longer an issue, the big pre-season question could become which tall-forward makes way?
SC verdict: Given the starting price, he might not be making money as quickly as some of the other KFC SuperCoach cash cows – especially in the role.
SAM BERRY
SC price: $117,300 Mid
SC Average (NAB League): 104
R1 likelihood: 50/50
As a bottom-ager in the NAB League in 2019, Berry showcased his strength at the contest and his willingness to tackle – and do it hard. The 181cm midfielder, who had 18 tackles and 17 contested possessions against Geelong in his fourth game for the year, also has great hands and elite endurance. If a spot opens up in the midfield, look for Berry to have an instant impact.
SC verdict: Berry finished with 220 KFC SuperCoach points on that day against the Falcons and is one to keep an eye on.
LUKE PEDLAR
SC price: $162,300 Mid
SC Average (SANFL U18): 128
R1 likelihood: 50/50
Given the rebuilding nature of Adelaide’s list, every player drafted is a chance to see senior action in 2021. Pedlar is a tough, contested bull who breaks tackles but he’s also clever around goal and boasts a penetrating left-foot and would immediately add to the Crows’ midfield mix.
SC verdict: Another Crow with a KFC SuperCoach-friendly game, Pedlar posted scores of 155, 71, 140 and 148 in his only four SANFL under-18 games in 2020.
BRISBANE LIONS
BLAKE COLEMAN
SC price: $117,300
SC average: 66 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
It will tough for any draftee to walk into a side brimming with young talent on every line but Coleman has some tricks that may see him called upon at some stage in his debut season. A similar player to his brother, Brisbane forward Keidean, who broke in for four matches in his first year in 2020, Coleman’s speed and goalkicking nous can add something to the Lions’ forward mix.
SC verdict: While Keidean managed to average 62 KFC SuperCoach points from four matches, buying young small forwards always comes with an element of risk.
CARLTON
COREY DURDIN
SC price: $117,300 Mid/Fwd
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 55
R1 likelihood: 50/50
With the addition of Zac Williams and Adam Saad, Carlton’s best-22 looks pretty solid for next season. But if spot does open up, the speedy small forward who made his SANFL league debut at 17 is more than ready. Durdin, who won the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the best player at the under-16 national carnival in 2018, is clever, know where the goals are and has plenty of class.
SC verdict: The 55-point of average in the SANFL this year is misleading given his final two injury-affected scores of 20 and four. There’s a bit of Caleb Daniel and Dayne Zorko in the way he plays – and maybe his future KFC SuperCoach scoring too.
LUKE PARKS
SC price: $117,400 Def
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 73
R1 likelihood: Unlikely
The 19-year-old, who played six games for the Swans’ NEAFL team in 2019, is strong defensively, competitive and is outstanding in the air – all traits which will appeal to David Teague. But the Blues look pretty well balanced in defence for next season so, while he’s physically ready, the 189cm Parks may have to bide his time.
SC verdict: Might not be at the front of the queue at Carlton but every mature-age draftee is an automatic addition to the pre-season watch list.
COLLINGWOOD
FINLAY MACRAE
SC price: $126,300, MID, FWD
SC average: 83 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: 50/50
Macrae has shades of his half-brother, Western Bulldoogs star Jack with his composure and consistency. His ball-use and versatility mean he can play just about anywhere, and this will work in his favour as he pushes for a debut in 2021.
SC verdict: Macrae and KFC SuperCoach go together like bacon and eggs. Expect him to follow a similar trajectory to his older brother in his first few seasons. For those playing along at home, Jack averaged 61.4 from 13 matches in his maiden season.
OLIVER HENRY
SC price: $135,300, FWD
SC average: 67 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
Renowned for his marking prowess, Henry’s strength is Collingwood’s major weakness up forward. The 188-centimetre high-flyer, who is the brother of Geelong defender Jack Henry, can add something special to an at times uninspiring forward make-up, which lost Jaidyn Stephenson during the trade period. In saying that, an immediately call-up would be a tough ask.
SC verdict: A similar player to North Melbourne’s Curtis Taylor, Henry is likely to be an inconsistent scorer if he does break in at senior level. But we will take any playing forward rookie we can get.
REEF McINNES
SC price: $117,300, MID
SC average: 84 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: 50/50
McInnes is an exciting and versatile talent with plenty of scope for improvement. Standing 193cm, McInnes can play up forward or as a lockdown defender but his best position is as a quick inside midfielder. His array of weapons and ability to play anywhere should earn him an AFL promotion at some point in 2021.
SC verdict: Posted scores of 122, 132 and 159 across a three-game stretch as an inside midfielder as a bottom-ager. A name we are going to get familiar with in SuperCoach circles.
CALEB POULTER
SC price: $117,300, MID/FWD
SC average: 130 (SANFL U18s, 2020)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
The Magpies swooped on Poulter after their live trade on draft night with Greater Western Sydney and he looms as a player who could break in next year. Standing 192 centimetres, Poulter is damaging forward of centre with his booming left boot and contested ballwinning, averaging 25.2 disposals, 10.6 contested possessions and 0.8 goals from 12 matches at SANFL U18 level.
SC verdict: May not play right away but is one to put on your watch-list at that price with DPP considering he averaged a formidable 130 points in the SANFL U18s.
BEAU McCREERY
SC price: $117,300, FWD
SC average: 72 (SANFL, 2020)
Round 1 likelihood: 50/50
McCreery, a 186cm pressure forward with good goal sense, was among a host of SANFL mature-agers taken on draft night. The 19-year-old averaged 10.2 disposals, 3.9 tackles and booted 19 goals across 15 games for South Adelaide this season and will be another pressing his claim for a Round 1 berth at the Magpies.
SC verdict: Had mixed KFC SuperCoach returns this year, passing 90 points on five occasions but posting another five sub-50 scores. Likely to be more of a role player in his first season.
ESSENDON
NIK COX
SC price: $175,800 Def-Fwd
SC Average (NAB League 2019): 75
R1 likelihood: 50/50
The Bombers’ top-pick may be slightly built – and not yet ready to hold down the key-position he’s been earmarked for – but his skill, versatility and running ability for a 202cm big man will have him in the mix for senior action in 2021.
SC verdict: Despite his early-season chances, Cox is unlikely to be a big KFC SuperCoach scorer in his first year.
ARCHIE PERKINS
SC price: $171,300 Mid-Fwd
SC Average (NAB League 2019): 82
R1 likelihood: 50/50
In time, the explosive Perkins is likely to become Essendon’s most dynamic – and most-damaging – midfielders. But the 188cm Perkins can have an impact forward of centre and it’s this ability, along with his athleticism and aerial power, which could add another layer to Ben Rutten’s side from the get go.
SC verdict: It may not be this year at the price – or in the role – but Perkins is a likely KFC SuperCoach favourite of the future.
FREMANTLE
HEATH CHAPMAN
SC price: $148,800, DEF
SC average: 132 (WAFL Colts, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
Fremantle are well stocked for key position defenders with Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling set to return but Chapman has the talent and attacking flare that could see him get a look-in. The intercept defender, who will likely start his career as a third tall, dominated in the WAFL Colts for West Perth tallying 22.4 touches, 10.6 intercept possessions and 4.6 intercept marks across eight matches. He also proved he could mix it with senior bodies in his a WAFL seniors call-up this year.
SC verdict: Keep an eye on him for future seasons but he is unlikely to get consistent opportunities in 2021 with Fremantle’s bevy of tall defenders.
NATHAN O’DRISCOLL
SC price: $117,300, MID
SC average: 132 (WAFL Colts, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
O’Driscoll is a taller midfield option who has shown his wares at WAFL level, elevated for five games in 2020. While the Dockers have a difficult midfield to break into, O’Driscoll’s high level speed and endurance mix along with his frame may see him given an opportunity next year.
SC verdict: Job security is the prime concern here as he should be a solid scorer if he gets a run, highlighted by his 101 points outing in a WAFL senior game for Perth in 2020.
JOSH TREACY
SC price: $102,400, RUCK/FWD
SC average: 90 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
A hardworking key forward from the Bendigo Pioneers, Treacy was rewarded for his dedication to the cause throughout the NAB League shutdown by becoming a Docker through the rookie draft. Already an imposing figure at 194cm and 94kg, Treacy is a competitive beast by nature and covers the ground well, suggesting he could be a player to cover the loss of Jesse Hogan sooner than first thought.
SC verdict: KFC SuperCoaches will be hoping Treacy stays in the reserves as the cheapest RUCK/FWD loophole option available. He might just break coaches’ hearts in 2021.
GEELONG
NICK STEVENS
SC price: $117,300 Def
SC Average (NAB League 2019): 72
R1 likelihood: Unlikely
Despite their willingness to throw the kids straight in recently, the Cats going with an athletic midfielder, who hasn’t played a lot of footy in the past two years, and a ruckman for the future, means Stevens appears the draftee most likely to see senior action in 2021. He’s shown some real dash and class off halfback and makes great decisions by foot and, at 191cm, can play a variety of roles.
SC verdict: His junior KFC SuperCoach numbers don’t scream pick me, but Stevens has some nice attributes.
GOLD COAST
ELIJAH HOLLANDS
SC price: $180,300, MID/FWD
SC average: 78 (U18 Championships, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Nil
Hollands is set to sit out the first half of the season as he recovers from a serious knee injury but when he is ready to go, look out. One of the steals of the draft after sliding to Gold Coast’s selection at number seven, Hollands possesses game-breaking impact that few in the 2020 draft crop have, which should see him enter the selection frame once he builds up match fitness.
SC verdict: May just be the Caleb Serong of 2021 – from a cash generation perspective – when he enters the Suns line-up.
ALEX DAVIES
SC price: $102,400, MID
SC average: 55 (NEAFL, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: 50/50
The Suns’ draft concessions handed them the academy product on a platter and Davies has the tools to make in impact in 2021. Davies, a 192cm clearance specialist who does his best work in traffic, was promoted to Gold Coast’s NEAFL side as a bottom-ager, playing seven matches. The only thing holding him back is injury, sitting out the second half of the 2020 season with an elbow blow.
SC verdict: A steal for the Suns but he may be an even bigger steal for KFC SuperCoaches at $102,400. The Suns’ midfield is jam-packed but Davies offers something different to their current make-up.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
JACOB WEHR
SC price: $117,300 Def
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 75
R1 likelihood: Likely
The 22-year-old is a line breaker who makes great decisions and, more importantly, executes them, hitting the long target as often as he finds the short one, making him the ideal candidate to help fill the void left by Zac Williams.
SC verdict: A mature-ager who posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 96, 96 and 87 in the SANFL final series? Yes, please.
HAWTHORN
DENVER GRAINGER-BARRAS
SC price: $184,800, DEF
SC average: 75 (WAFL, 2020)
Round 1 likelihood: Very likely
Hawthorn’s shift towards youth indicates that Grainger-Barras is going to be playing a lot of senior footy in 2021. The intercept king enjoyed a full season at WAFL level for Swan Districts and thrived, averaging 10.3 disposals, 7.4 intercept possessions, 3.0 intercept marks and five spoils up against hardened opposition. Expect the key defender to be wearing a Hawthorn guernsey in Round 1.
SC verdict: A touch expensive but is the standout rookie defender at this stage. An average of 75 points in the WAFL bodes well for his scoring potential at AFL level.
SEAMUS MITCHELL
SC price: $117,300, FWD
SC average: 63 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
Despite being somewhat of a bolter on draft night, Mitchell is viewed as a prospect who can play all over the ground thanks to his blistering speed. He is capable of earning an AFL call-up next year as a small forward, particularly at Hawthorn who will be playing the kids as much as possible.
SC verdict: Will provide excitement if he gets out on the park but is unlikely to be a solid scorer.
CONNOR DOWNIE
SC price: $117,300, MID
SC average: 82 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Likely
It will be a matter of when, not if, Downie debus in 2021. A running halfback/wingman with a penetrating kick and a ready-made frame, Downie is as dedicated as they come and will fit into an AFL environment seamlessly. After losing Isaac Smith during the trade period, a shuffling of the decks could see exciting youngster Will Day move up to the wing and Downie replace him across halfback.
SC verdict: Cheap, ready-made and part of a rebuilding side. Chuck him on your midfield bench for now.
MELBOURNE
BAILEY LAURIE
SC price: $117,300 Def/Fwd
SC Average (NAB League): 90
R1 likelihood: 50/50
The Dees need more speed and skill forward-of-centre, and Laurie brings both in spades. He has an outstanding footy IQ and can set up play from the midfield or put the finishing touches on inside-50 himself with equal effect.
SC verdict: Laurie starred in last year’s NAB League grand final, finishing with 17 disposals, two goals and 121 KFC SuperCoach points. He’s a player that doesn’t need a lot of the ball to score well and the dual-position status is a bonus.
JAKE BOWEY
SC price: $117,300 Mid/Fwd
SC Average (NAB League): 79
R1 likelihood: Unlikely
Every team would love Caleb Daniel’s poise and elite foot skills – but especially Melbourne. And that’s why Bowey, a 175cm midfielder from Sandringham, who is one of the best kicks of the 2020 draft class – and has drawn some comparison to Daniel – could feature at senior level in his debut season.
SC verdict: Some big games and some poor ones – numbers wise, anyway – in his bottom-age year in the NAB League. He’s another rookie-price player with dual-position status, but his scores may be inconsistent if he gets a chance.
NORTH MELBOURNE
WILL PHILLIPS
SC price: $198,300, MID
SC average: 103 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Very likely
The 2020 draftee set to make the most immediate impact next year. Phillips is an ultra-consistent ball winner who averaged 22.1 disposals and 4.3 clearances for the Oakleigh Chargers alongside handy midfielders Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson at NAB league level in 2019. Don’t be surprised if the No. 3 draft pick starts at North Melbourne’s first centre-bounce next year.
SC verdict: We would have preferred if he drafted a touch later to bring his price down, but he will be given ample midfield opportunity at the struggling Roos and his job security is off the charts. Lock.
TOM POWELL
SC price: $153,300, MID
SC average: 154 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Very likely
Powell got leather poisoning this year, averaging a whopping 33.5 disposals, 14.6 contested possessions, 8.0 clearances and 3.6 tackles for Sturt in the SANFL U18s. While he did not play SANFL reserves or senior in 2020, there is no doubting his ball-winning capabilities, able to consistently win contested ball and make good decisions with ball in hand.
SC verdict: 154 KFC SuperCoach points per game, including two double tons, is absurd. Sign me up.
CONNOR MENADUE
SC price: $201,500, DEF
SC average: 62.5 (AFL, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Likely
Menadue was the big surprise of the rookie draft after the former Tiger was plucked from VFL club Werribee despite failing to take the field in 2020. The 24-year-old, who was delisted by Richmond at the end of the 2019 season, appears likely to have a more prominent role at his second club with less competition for spots.
SC verdict: The price is off-putting but he should surpass the 62.5 average he mustered from six games in 2019 and has 39 games of AFL experience under his belt. Remember, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was considered a must-have in defence at $190,000 last year. He is one to keep in mind if cheaper rookie defenders don’t present themselves.
PORT ADELAIDE
LACHLAN JONES
SC price: $139,800 Def
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 65
R1 likelihood: Likely
Of all the teenagers drafted this year, Jones is the most Round 1-ready. The 184cm, 87kg ready-made defender, starred at SANFL League level this year, taking mark of the year and knocking around some of his more senior opponents. He’s quick, powerful and can play on talls or smalls and is a chance to force his way into a strong Port Adelaide best-22 right away.
SC verdict: A KFC SuperCoach lock if picked. Jones played 16 senior games this year and posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 107, 81 and 92 in the Eagles’ run to the flag in the major round. Oh, and he averaged 141 points per game in his final eight under-18 games in his bottom-age year of 2019.
RICHMOND
It would be difficult for any first-year player to break into the reigning premiers’ stacked line-up, and both of Richmond’s draft prospects loom as long-term propositions.
Tiger fans will be keeping a keen eye on father-son draftee Maurice Rioli Jnr while he has some X-Factor, he may require a pre-season or two before he is ready to step in at AFL level.
ST KILDA
TOM HIGHMORE
SC price: $117,300 Def
SC Average (SANFL 2020): 88
R1 likelihood: 50/50
The 22-year-old was the No. 1 ranked player in the SANFL for intercept marks in 2020 and kicked the footy at 83 per cent efficiency. Highmore, who starred at NEAFL level in 2019, has all the tools to follow a similar path to new teammate Callum Wilkie.
SC verdict: But Highmore could be an even better KFC SuperCoach scorer after going 112, 76, 103, 163, 108 and 146 in the opening six rounds before injury.
SYDNEY
LOGAN McDONALD
SC price: $193,800, FWD
SC average: 97 (WAFL, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Very likely
No draftee had a better 2020 campaign than McDonald, taking the WAFL by storm by booting 21 goals from nine matches, rewarded with a spot in the WAFL team of the year. McDonald is expected to accompany superstar Lance Franklin and potentially Sam Reid in Sydney’s forward arc as a third tall, the position he played for Perth. His standout performances at WAFL level will serve him well and extensive opportunities await him in 2021.
SC verdict: He recorded a promising 97-point average in the WAFL but things will be much tougher in the Swans forward line. Key forward rookies are never a good idea in KFC SuperCoach – no matter how talented they are.
BRAEDEN CAMPBELL
SC price: $189,300, MID/FWD
SC average: 123 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Likely
Campbell ability to impact games in the forward half will make him too irresistible for John Longmire to ignore. The Swans academy ace has a long and penetrating kick and electrifying speed, both of which be used through the middle and up forward. May leapfrog other young midfielders/forwards for a spot in the senior line-up in Round 1.
SC verdict: At that price you would want an indication that he will be getting reasonable midfield minutes, which is certainly a possibility. His high impact per possession play could make him an attractive option, registering 164 points from 22 touches in one NAB League as a bottom-ager.
ERROL GULDEN
SC price: $117,300, MID
SC average: 88 (NEAFL, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
Another Swans Academy graduate, Gulden is a consistent performer who could enter selection calculations despite his small stature. The 175cm midfielder is a ball magnet with a good tank and even outshone Campbell during the Northern academy series this year against the Giants Academy.
SC verdict: An average of 88 points from three NEAFL games as a bottom-ager means he can’t be ignored. But will he get enough midfield time when he receives a call-up?
WEST COAST
ISIAH WINDER
SC price: $117,300 Def/Mid
SC Average (WAFL Colts): 137
R1 likelihood: Unlikely
The explosive midfielder-forward starred at Colts level this year, averaging 28 disposals through the midfield, before impressing against the bigger bodies in three senior matches. And, along with his x-factor, it’s why he’s the most-likely of the Eagles draftees to get a chance in 2021.
SC verdict: Some big numbers at Colts level, but he’s unlikely to play that pure midfield role early in his career.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN
SC price: $207,300, FWD
SC average: 84 (NAB League, 2019)
Round 1 likelihood: Unlikely
The number one pick will partner Bulldog talls Josh Bruce and Aaron Naughton next year in a forward line full of athleticism. Ugle-Hagan slotted 24 goals in nine games in a remarkable bottom-age season for Oakleigh in 2019 and his blistering speed off the mark coupled with his phenomenal hands on the lead and in the air will trouble even the sturdiest AFL defenders.
SC verdict: The number one pick has been a worthy SuperCoach buy the past two seasons, but Ugle-Hagan isn’t a ball-winning midfielder – remember, even fully developed key forwards struggle to score well, let alone one who is 18. Best to enjoy his immense talent as a neutral observer for at least a couple of years before factoring him into your SC plans.
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