KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s rookie-priced ruckmen guide
Most SuperCoaches spend little time choosing their rookie ruckmen. But the injury to Max Gawn has opened up a world of possibilities in 2020, and could make one Magpies big man a prized commodity says The Phantom.
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Like most years in KFC SuperCoach, there isn’t many rookie-price ruckmen to bank on.
And, usually, that’s fine, given many coaches throw the R3 position for loophole purposes.
With the recent injury to Max Gawn, however, this year might be different.
Thankfully, there’s a dual-position option we might – and yes, it’s just a might – be able to trust as cover if you want it.
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Darcy Cameron (Coll)
$123,900, Fwd
The 24-year-old played made just one senior appearance in his time at the Swans, despite being one of the NEAFL’s dominant ruckmen for the best part of three years.
But Cameron, who averaged 154 SuperCoach points per game in a standout 2018 for the Swans’ reserves side, has also shown his ability as a strong-marking forward.
In 2016, prior to being drafted as a mature-ager from the WAFL, the 205cm big man took 43 contested marks – the most in the competition – and booted 36 goals for Claremont.
And it’s this strength which will have Cameron in contention for an early season Magpies debut as Brodie Grundy’s back-up.
THE PHANTOM’S VERDICT: Our best hope, if you’re going for cover at R3.
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Luke Jackson (Melb)
$198,300
Some say this kid will be the next Brodie Grundy – and it’s not hard to see why.
The athletic big man, who can play forward, has plenty of tricks and his elite tap-work is matched by an ability to follow up when the ball is on the ground.
Jackson’s junior numbers are also on the Grundy-end of the SuperCoach scale, with the 18-year-old averaging 162 points per game at WAFL Colts level and 110 for WA at the national under-18 carnival.
And he’s only been dedicated to footy for less than two years.
THE PHANTOM’S VERDICT: It will take some time before he even comes close to Grundy, but the young big man might see some early action in Melbourne’s forward-line in 2020.
And maybe even as a back-up ruckman, depending on Max Gawn’s recovery.
Lloyd Meek (Freo)
$123,900
Before a season-ending foot injury, the 203cm big man was dominating in the WAFL.
In Round 10 against South Fremantle, Meek finished with 17 disposals and 28 hit-outs – his fifth league appearance for the year.
A week later, the 21-year-old tallied 20 disposals, 36 hit-outs, six marks, six tackles and two goals against Swan Districts, before limping off the ground in the final quarter.
It was his last game for the year.
But he’s back, fit and setting the standard on at training, according to fellow ruckman Sean Darcy.
With the retirement of Aaron Sandilands, Darcy is the player Meek will to get past for a senior debut.
THE PHANTOM’S VERDICT: He’s unlikely to get first crack, especially with a fit Rory Lobb in the side, but he might appear at some stage in 2020.
AND THE LOOPHOLE
Charlie Comben (NM) $117,300, FWD
Tristan Xerri (NM) , $123,900, Fwd
If you are throwing the R3 position for loophole purposes, Gold Coast’s Matthew Conroy is the only ruckman priced at $102k.
But if you’ve got the cash and, unless 20-year-old Xerri can push for senior selection in his third year or Comben, the young draftee, develops quicker than expect, North Melbourne is your club.
The Kangaroos play 12 games on Sunday, two more than St Kilda, Fremantle and Melbourne.
Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s rookie-priced ruckmen guide