Expert SuperCoach Jury gives its verdict on 10 popular rookies
Getting the rookies right is the key to SuperCoach success. After weeks of planning and research it all comes down to decisions over the next few hours. Our experts are here to help.
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Getting the rookies right is the key to SuperCoach success.
After weeks of planning and research it all comes down to decisions over the next few days (a rolling lockout means you only need your Richmond and Carlton rookies locked in tonight).
Who will get a run in your squad? And who will you start on the field and who’s on the bench for Round 1?
In the final instalment of the SuperCoach pre-season jury, we assembled the experts to get their final word on 10 of the most popular SuperCoach rookies. See their answers below.
ANALYSIS: SUPERCOACH ROOKIE PRICE PROJECTIONS
ROOKIE BIBLE: WHICH CHEAPIES WILL PLAY IN ROUND 1?
INSIDE WORD: AFL STARS REVEAL TOP PICKS AT THEIR CLUB
RISKY PICKS: EVERY MID-PRICER RATED
MATHS: HOW TO WIN SUPERCOACH ON HALF THE BUDGET
ZAK BUTTERS $157,800 MID
Al Paton: Feel like we are paying a lot for rookies this year but pre-season form means you can’t leave him out.
Gilbert Gardiner: He deserves a crack after the perfect JLT audition. Lock him in.
Ben Higgins: Arguably the No.2 cash cow behind Carlton’s Sam Walsh but a fair bit cheaper. Butters looks ready to debut in Round 1 after scores of 91 and 82 in the JLT Series and, if anything, poses a danger to fellow Power cash cow Willem Drew.
Daniel Begala: He’s an absolute lock at The Begala Brigade following an exceptional JLT Series, so I will have no hesitation on starting him in Round 1. Butters may be small in stature, but he’s a natural footballer suited for the rigours of SuperCoach.
The Phantom: There’s not much of him but, gee, this kid can play and he’s a lock for Round 1. Start Butters on the field if you can afford it. Just made way for Tom Liberatore in The Phantom’s team.
Tim Michell: Hard not to be convinced after two sterling pre-season efforts. Butters looks primed to make an impact from Round 1. Start him at M7 with confidence.
Paul Dunn: Kenny believes in him, and so do I. The Port coach does like to give the high draft picks a shot early on and Zak should be no exception. He had a good JLT Series, averaging 86, so he should be in your teams.
Dan Batten: In at M7. From his first kick delivered across his body on a platter in JLT1, he has been nothing but class. The Power lacks outside foot skills and run, and Butters provides this in spades. His slender frame may see him collect low possession tallies, but his efficient disposal and excellent decision-making has seen him score well regardless.
Anthony Hack: I try to stay away from rookies priced over $150k, however I’ve had to make an exception with this guy after his impressive JLT form. Now, one of my first picked rookies.
MARTY HORE $117,300 DEF
Paton: The Dees love a mature-aged recruit from the VFL (Bayley Fritsch, Mitch Hannan) and so do SuperCoach players. Just hope he holds his spot when Steven May returns from suspension in Round 2.
Gardiner: Yes but not convinced. The Dees will be a hard team to crack in 2019 so Hore will be on a tight leash. Could do worse than having him on the bench generating some short-term cash.
Higgins: Can’t argue he looked pretty good in the JLT Series and fitted into Melbourne’s defence nicely. However, I have grave concerns over his job security with Steven May back in Round 2 and the likes of Oscar McDonald and Sam Frost already in key-position posts. Jordan Lewis, Christian Salem and Michael Hibberd are the preferred half-back playmaking options.
Begala: We always preference matured-aged recruits at The Begala Brigade particularly if they’ve found their way to the AFL via the school of hard knocks. Hore looks a certainty to play Round 1, but there some job security concerns.
Phantom: The mature-age recruit looks to have a role in the defence for the Demons and is an ideal bench option at $117k.
Michell: I’m still not completely sold that he’ll debut in Round 1 but as a mature-aged recruit we’ll see Hore at some stage. An ideal starting pick on your defensive bench.
Dunn: As a mature-aged rookie, he is exactly what we like to see. A hard body who is used to the rigours of senior footy. His JLT Series was solid without being brilliant and he will be on a lot of benches come Round 1.
Batten: The intercept defender looms as a Round 1 starter and will be a must-have if selected. Showed a tendency in the pre-season to sprint towards the goalsquare whenever the opposition scored a behind, something we like to see in SuperCoach. Slot him in on your bench and assess teams on Thursday night.
Hack: With Jake Lever out injured for several months, there should be plenty of opportunities for Hore to cement a spot in the Melbourne backline. Assuming he’s named for Round 1, he’s a lock for my team.
MATT PARKER $117,300 FWD
Paton: Love his backstory and I think he’ll play most weeks. The problem is he won’t score much (likely 40-60 range) so he’s definitely for the bench only and I’m open to leaving him out if a player with better scoring potential bobs up late.
Gardiner: Big on him early and sticking to my guns (fingers and toes crossed). It all depends on Parker being able to hit the scoreboard.
Higgins: The small forward is hard to predict in SuperCoach and Parker proved just that in the JLT Series. However, with the lack of rookie options he looks a strong bench choice and, depending on the opposition, could be a sneaky emergency loophole candidate for those advanced SuperCoaches.
Begala: Parker was serviceable during the JLT Series, but I don’t expect him to become a reliable on-field option with Will Setterfield, Willem Drew and Jack Petruccelle higher up the pecking order. He’s a mature-ager, which is a plus, so lock him into F8 and throw away the key.
Phantom: His scoring might be up-and-down but he has all the tools to become an x-factor in the Saints’ forward line. Stick him on your bench.
Michell: Forward line rookies are so scarce that I don’t think we have much choice but to pick Parker. That is, unless he doesn’t get picked for Round 1, which seems unlikely considering St Kilda’s injury toll.
Dunn: Currently in my side, but only because I am not sure who to replace him with at the moment. His JLT form wasn’t ideal with a 61 then a 36 from 78 per cent time-on-ground. His scores are certainly worthy of a bench spot, but if you have other options they would be worth investigating.
Batten: The high-flying West Australian showed us just what he could do in JLT 1 in an eye-catching two-goal display. As a medium forward Parker can take marks, kick goals and tackle, laying seven tackles in that game. Parker is also capable of low scores, managing just 36 SuperCoach points in his second pre-season game. Like him as a bench option.
Hack: Can do more than just take speccies! Looks like he’ll be given opportunities at the Saints and with his mature age body, he could do all right. He’s ahead of several other forward line rookies in my opinion.
JACK SCRIMSHAW $149,800
Paton: Dominated the first quarter against Richmond then was barely sighted after that. I’ve got Jordan Clark and Xavier Duursma ahead of him, but if Clarko picks him he’ll probably be on my bench.
Gardiner: He might only be a slow burn but a mature body in the right system just ticks the right boxes. With Grant Birchall on the comeback trail expect the ex-Sun to get every chance to lock down a position.
Higgins: Reckon there were a few knocks on him after failing at Gold Coast. Whether that was on him or the Suns may never be known, but he looks re-energised at Hawthorn and I believe is the man to replace Grant Birchall off half-back. Looks like a safe on-field pick in defence.
Begala: Played himself into The Begala Brigade with an enormous first quarter of JLT2 that saw him collect 12 disposals, a goal and 52 SuperCoach points. Could be the pick of the defensive bunch and has the added benefit of two development years within the AFL system. Lock.
Phantom: Scrimshaw has the talent and game-style to become a SuperCoach star in the coming years but coach Alastair Clarskon’s comments about his conditioning make it hard to start with him this season.
Michell: Initially overlooked the former Sun, thinking he might not be in the Hawks’ best 22. However, after JLT scores of 68 and 78 he’s in my side at D5. He appears to have better job security than Jordan Clark.
Dunn: Solid and locked into my backline. A 68 and a 78 in the JLT Series should from an impressive 81 per cent time-on-ground which tells me that Clarko trusts him enough to leave him out there. A solid option for your defence and safe enough to start on field.
Batten: Chock full of talent, Scrimshaw lacked opportunity up on the Gold Coast but should get just that at the Hawks. The rangy defender uses the ball well and is playing in a SuperCoach-friendly role as a distributor across half-back. Hawthorn recruit with purpose, and his job security and scoring ability appears sound.
Hack: He is on my radar as a potential selection if my preferred options aren’t named for Round 1, however I do have some concerns for his job security at Hawthorn and his starting price is just a little too high for my liking.
WILLEM DREW $123,900 FWD/MID
Paton: Ballarat redhead now has three AFL pre-seasons under his belt and is ready to go. I’m starting him on the field in my forward line.
Gardiner: Will get games, mature body and knows the Power structure. A nice bench option with scores of 77 and 86 in the JLT series.
Higgins: One of the buzz cash cows of the pre-season and he backed up the hype with strong showings in the JLT Series. However, Ollie Wines could force him to the sidelines when he returns and Zak Butters seems to have stronger midfield claims as well despite being a first-year draftee.
Begala: Similar to Scrimshaw, Drew was taken in the 2016 AFL Draft and will undoubtedly have benefited from his SANFL apprenticeship. Our forward lines are bereft of rookies, and I rank Drew the second-best forward rookie behind Will Setterfield.
Phantom: Strongly-built third-year midfielder looks to have the best scoring potential of all rookie-price forward options behind Will Setterfield. But just keep in mind Ollie Wines won’t be far away.
Michell: See Matt Parker. Unless Ollie Wines succeeds in his late bid to be fit for Round 1 and Drew misses out, we don’t have much choice but to start with him. The forward rookie stocks are paper thin this year.
Dunn: Has been in the system a few years now and Kenny has said he will debut in Round 1. If he is named he must be on your bench at least. Only concern is what happens to his role once Ollie Wines comes back.
Batten: Exactly what you want in a cash cow, a hard-edged player who wins contested ball. With Ollie Wines expected to miss the first few games, Drew will have the chance to stake his claim as a regular. Entering his third year, I expect him to do just that. Dual-position status is a bonus.
Hack: A confirmed Round 1 starter, you’ve gotta pick this guy in a forward line screaming out for decent rookie options (Setterfield aside). He’s a tackling machine and is in his third year in the AFL system, and added to his strong JLT form, he should do well for us.
BAILEY SCOTT $117,300 MID
Paton: Pre-season bolter is currently in my team but I’ll watch selection closely — there are a few Kangaroos to come back into the side and the fact he played just 58 per cent of JLT2 makes me nervous. But any player who can gather 19 disposals in that time is worth looking at.
Gardiner: The pick of the draftees at Arden St, the son of a former gun is everything Kangaroos coach Brad Scott wants. He runs hard, tackles hard and just keeps on going.
Higgins: Has come from the clouds after being a late draft pick last year. Credit to Gilbert Gardiner, who called him as a Round 1 smokie at the start of the SuperCoach pre-season. Scott has impressed in the JLT and looks the goods for Round 1 but is probably safer on your bench.
Begala: Exceptional JLT Series and I expect him to feature prominently for North Melbourne in the early stages of the season. Pick him, stick him on the pine and watch the good times roll.
Michell: A perfect midfield bench option. I’m wary of starting a Kangaroos rookie after being burned by Luke Davies-Uniacke last season but all the signs have been encouraging from Scott.
Phantom: Played his way on to The Phantom’s bench with an impressive JLT Series. And it wasn’t just his numbers. The 19-year-old’s workrate and second efforts would’ve thrilled coach Brad Scott.
Dunn: A really good option for your midfield bench. Don’t expect scores like the 89 from JLT2 each week, as that was a very open game, but he has done enough to warrant a bench spot if he is named.
Batten: Really like this kid. After sliding in the draft, the father-son pick let his footy do the talking with two impressive outings in the pre-season. Appears to be a favourite at Arden St, and is definitely up to the level. A great midfield bench option who should come into on-field calculations.
Hack: Has been a great disposal accumulator at junior level, and backed that up in the JLT, where he was also efficient with his ball use. He’s starting at an excellent price and is in my team, pending Round 1 selection with the Roos.
JORDAN CLARK $144,300 DEF
Paton: One of the Cats’ best in their two JLT Series games and Chris Scott likes to play his high draft picks. Currently my D5.
Gardiner: Will play in Round 1 and we know the Cats back in the kids to hold down a position. Second only to Sam Walsh as the pick of the cash cows in my book.
Higgins: High-priced and with plenty of rookies in the backline I firmly believe you can afford only one of Clark and Jack Scrimshaw. He impressed during the JLT Series but young outside players tend to do that in strong, mature teams like Geelong and he’ll struggle to hold his place once Zach Tuohy returns.
Begala: It’s a tough side to crack, but Clark has taken to GMHBA Stadium like a duck to water. He’s slightly pricey at $144k, but if his JLT form is anything to go by, you’ll have a serviceable contributor at D5 or D6.
Phantom: Reads the play well, boasts great foot skills and the Cats don’t mind throwing the kids into the heat of battle. Lock him in.
Michell: He’s out of my side as it stands. I understand he’ll play Round 1 but you worry about his job security with Zach Tuohy and Jed Bews to return early in the season. The Cats hardly lack for players across half-back, where Clark appears best suited.
Dunn: Despite only scoring 67 in JLT2 I really liked what I saw of him in that game. When you add in the 85 from the first JLT game he looks like a lock for a spot in my team if he gets named this week.
Batten: Clark has shown plenty of potential as a running defender but I am unsure if he has a permanent spot in the Cats line-up when Zach Tuohy returns from injury. Tossing up between the speedy youngster and Hawthorn’s Jack Scrimshaw, with the former Sun getting the nod at this stage.
Hack: He’s had experience playing senior footy in the WAFL and it looks to have helped him with a strong JLT. Exciting player and should be fun to own. Hopefully he can win a spot in a strong Geelong team.
JACK PETRUCELLE $123,900 FWD
Paton: Played three games last year and scored 12, 33 and 18. Looks like he has improved a lot over summer and while his scores will be up and down (think Liam Ryan last year) he’s a chance to get on the end of a few when the Eagles wallop some of the bottom teams. Safe bench pick.
Gardiner: Lots of hype around the Eagles speedster and must admit he’s in my team right now, but on tenterhooks.
Higgins: Looks a top-three forward cash cow along with Will Setterfield and Willem Drew. Obviously, small forwards’ SuperCoach scores are hard to predict but Mark LeCras was a handy SuperCoach pick over the years and hopefully Petrucelle can replicate his role.
Begala: Looks a certainty to be given first crack at filling the void left by the Frenchman, Mark LeCras. Fielding him will give coaches nightmares but he should offer a quickfire source of $120-150k capital appreciation.
Phantom: There’s a big opportunity for the speedster to lock down a role in the Eagles’ attacking 50 in the absence of retired star Mark Lecras. Just don’t expect big scores every week.
Michell: It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride but we have to start him barring a late forward rookie miracle. He’s done enough in pre-season to lock in a role as a pressure forward for the Eagles. He shapes as a slow burn in SuperCoach though.
Dunn: Jack looks like the ready replacement for Mark LeCras in that Eagles forward line and should do well up there crumbing to the big guys in Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy. He is at a great price for what he should deliver us this season.
Batten: As a speedy small forward, Petruccelle will have good days but will also be prone to the odd stinker. Being part of a successful team, there should be more good days than bad. Field with caution.
Hack: I have doubts over his scoring potential and job security, however he’s found his way onto my forward line bench, simply due to the lack of reliable premium options up forward.
NICK HIND $117,300 MID
Paton: Good chance to be named in Round 1 but he’s behind five or six others in terms of scoring potential. It’s a pass from me.
Gardiner: Tough as teak but only slight, could find the going tough at senior level.
Higgins: Hind would have been one of the first picked cash cows when SuperCoach opened in January. However, that hope now appears lost after a quiet (to put it kindly) JLT Series saw him overtaken by several other rookie candidates. Sure to get gametime in an injury-riddled St Kilda team but not sure we can pick him in SuperCoach.
Begala: There are too many better options, such as Gibbons, Constable, Atkins and Scott, vying for positions on our midfield bench. I’ll be steering clear.
Phantom: The Saints need his speed but his JLT Series didn’t say a lot for his SuperCoach scoring potential. A bench option, at best, if he’s named.
Michell: Huge fan of the way Hind plays. He should get plenty of opportunities in his first year with the Saints. He might not be a huge possession-getter but he’s a midfield bench option.
Dunn: Had a lot of hype about him this pre-season but unfortunately he didn’t deliver for us in the JLT and I think that even if he is named I won’t be selecting him. There are just too many other good choices out there that will be more consistent and better scorers.
Batten: Out of my side at the minute, but if Chris Scott leaves out Charlie Constable or Tom Atkins, I may be forced to swap him in. The mature-ager’s job security is reasonable in a depleted St Kilda defence, however his 29-point effort in JLT 2 is concerning. Possible bench option.
Hack: Not on my radar at all with all of the great midfield rookie options ahead of him.
CHRIS BURGESS $123,900 DEF/FWD
Paton: Picking as a deep forward from the Suns isn’t ideal but Burgess played at both ends in the SANFL and could get thrown down back where it would be easier to score points. A safe bench option in defence or attack in SuperCoach.
Gardiner: Lean year for forward rookies and you’d think Burgess should get every chance to lock in a spot at the Suns.
Higgins: He’s got more job security than just about every other rookie, but scoring is an issue. Played at both ends in JLT1 and scored well but was stuck in the forward line in JLT2 and struggled as Sydney dominated. Given his flexibility as a Defender-Forward, I believe he’s got high value.
Begala: A lump of a lad who will be given every opportunity at the Suns with job security at an all-time high under Stuart Dew. He could provide your team with some much-needed flexibility (Def-FWD) should you proceed with the JLT hype surrounding Darcy Moore. He’s not in my side ... yet.
Phantom: He’ll play and his dual-position could prove very valuable, especially if you’ve selected Darcy Moore at the other end. Don’t worry about his second JLT Series score
Michell: Pick him in defence to swing with Darcy Moore if you’re starting the Magpie forward. Otherwise, you’re better to look elsewhere than a guy who will likely have limited options if he plays forward, as he did in the JLT Series.
Dunn: Looked a lock after JLT1 but a return of 15 points from 86 per cent game time in JLT2 has all but scared me off. He had nine touches with a goal but there were five clangers and his efficiency was at only 33 per cent. That doesn’t bode well for his SuperCoach scoring.
Batten: Limited rookie options and his dual-position status make Burgess a bench lock. The 23-year-old is a certain starter in the inexperienced Suns line-up, but don’t expect reliable scoring from the tall forward.
Hack: One of my favourite options. He had a strong JLT1, however dropped off considerably in JLT2, even though I thought he showed promising signs even in that second game. I would imagine there’s opportunities for him to play at Gold Coast. He moves well and his DPP is a bonus. I’m even considering starting Darcy Moore simply because I’ve got Burgess locked in.
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