KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom analyses and rates every draftee ahead of the new season
As an 18-year-old out of high school, some draftees will take time to develop. But some will star and become KFC SuperCoach gold in 2020. The Phantom rates every player drafted and their junior numbers.
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Will every player drafted be KFC SuperCoach-relevant in 2020? Not even close.
But find out who definitely is and who might surprise in The Phantom’s complete national draft analysis.
LEGEND
RATING: 5 - Lock him in
RATING: 4 - Consider
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
RATING: 2 - No to start with
RATING: 1 - Avoid
1. Matt Rowell (GC)
Mid, $207,300
2019 U18 Champs ave: 132
NAB League: 171
Like 2018’s No. 1 pick Sam Walsh, Rowell enjoyed a near-perfect junior career, dominating at every level. And he’s justifying the hype over summer at his new club.
RATING: 5 - Lock him in.
2. Noah Anderson (GC)
Mid, $202,800
U18 Champs ave: 107
NAB League: 143
The 188cm Anderson, who was just as dominating in front of goal as he was at the contest at junior level, is a star-in-the-making. But he’s unlikely to feature in the midfield on a regular basis this year and might not be worth the starting price.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
3. Luke Jackson (Melb)
Ruck, $198,300
U18 Champs ave: 109
WAFL Colts: 161
There’s plenty of Brodie Grundy in the athletic big man, who has plenty of tricks, and his elite tap-work is matched by an ability to follow up at ground level. But it will take some time before he gets anywhere near the Collingwood star’s level.
RATING: 2 - No to start with
4. Lachie Ash (GWS)
Def, $193,800
U18 Champs ave: 102
NAB League: 129
Ash’s junior numbers are matched by his standout ability to break the game open from half-back, but the premiership-contending team he was drafted to is not short on quick, skilful playmakers.
RATING: 4 - Consider
5. Dylan Stephens (Syd)
Mid, $189,300
U18 Champs ave: 89
SANFL: 81
In the SANFL, the 18-year-old did his best work on the outside, but he’s shown he’s clean and creative on the inside. And his endurance – and left foot – is turning heads at the Swans already.
RATING: 4 - Consider
6. Fischer McAsey (Adel)
Def, $184,800
U18 Champs ave: 97
NAB League: 87
If he does earn a Round 1 debut – something coach Matthew Nicks has suggested is a chance – expect the skilful, 195cm McAsey to play a SuperCoach-friendly intercept role in defence in his first year.
RATING: 4 - Consider
7. Hayden Young (Frem)
Def, $180,300
U18 Champs ave: 106
NAB League: 129
The damaging left-footer, who ranked first for intercept possessions at the national carnival, fits new coach Justin Longmuir’s want for an increase in skill level at the Dockers.
RATING: 5 - Lock him in
8. Caleb Serong (Frem)
Def, $175,800
U18 Champs ave: 129
NAB League: 123
Serong, who has drawn comparison to Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray, will be a popular SuperCoach name in the future, but can he break into the Fremantle midfield during his debut season?
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
9. Liam Henry (Frem)
Mid-Fwd, $171,300
U18 Champs ave: 92
WAFL Colts: 133
Fremantle’s Academy gun can switch between the forward line and midfield, in the mould of new teammate Michael Walters, but is set to be eased into senior football after a late-season injury in 2019.
RATING: 2 - No to start with
10. Tom Green (GWS)
Mid, $166,800
U18 Champs ave: 111
NEAFL: 68
Green’s contested-ball numbers at the 2019 under-18 carnival were the best ever recorded by Champion Data and he could develop into a Patrick Cripps-like midfielder. But the GWS engine room will be a tough one to break into this year.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
11. Sam Flanders (GC)
Mid-Fwd, $162,300
U18 Champs ave: 112
NAB League: 121
In a side now packed with young midfield talent, Flanders’ ability as a strong-marking, explosive forward with great goal sense – in the mould of Demon Christian Petracca – will see the 18-year-old jostling for a Round 1 debut.
RATING: 4 - Consider
12. Kysaiah Pickett (Melb)
Fwd, $157,800
U18 Champs ave: 76
SANFL Reserves: 91
The tough, aggressive excitement machine doesn’t need many touches to have an impact and fills an immediate need in Melbourne’s forward-line.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
13. Will Day (Haw)
Def, $153,300
U18 Champs ave: 88
SANFL U18s: 132
The smart defender, who boasts terrific foot skills on both sides of his body, recorded a disposal efficiency of 92 per cent at SANFL under-18 level and 82 per cent at the under-18 championships. But 2020 is likely to be a development year for Day.
RATING: 2 - No to start with
14. Miles Bergman (Port)
Fwd, $148,800
U18 Champs ave: 74
NAB League: 90
Bergman suits Port Adelaide’s want for more speed and versatility and could feature as a high-half-forward from as early as Round 1, especially with recent injuries to Ollie Wines and fellow draftee Jackson Mead. He’s never been a big ball-winner, but he’ll have an impact.
RATING: 4 - Consider
15. Cody Weightman (WB)
Fwd, $144,300
U18 Champs ave: 79
NAB League: 89
The small-forward, who was the leading goalkicker at the under-18 carnival, has drawn early praise from his more-experienced teammates after an impressive first pre-season.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
16. Cooper Stephens (Geel)
Mid, $139,800
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 92
The scoring potential is there for the strong-bodied midfielder, who was one of the highest-rated juniors in the country before breaking his leg in 2019. But it’s a tough midfield to break into, especially when you haven’t played a competitive game since April last year.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
17. Brodie Kemp (Carl)
Mid, $135,300
U18 Champs ave: 101
NAB League: 106
Transformed from key-defender to tall-midfielder late last year and thrived, starring for Vic Country at the national carnival. But he’s been added to the long-term injury list at the Blues and won’t be seen at the top-level for a while.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
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18. Mitch Georgiades (Port)
Fwd, $130,800
U18 Champs ave: DNP
Port Adelaide footy boss Chris Davies, this week, described the Power’s top four draftees as “physically capable of competing” and more ready than last year’s trio. But Georgiades, who missed the entire 2019 season due to injury, might be down the SuperCoach pecking order despite an impressive pre-season.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
19. Sam de Koning (Geel)
Def, $126,300
U18 Champs ave: 61
NAB League: 59
The 200cm defender lost just two of his 25 defensive one-on-one contests at any level last year. But, despite averaging six intercept possessions for Vic Country, he won’t be SuperCoach relevant any time soon.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
20. Sam Philp (Carl)
Mid, $121,800
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 125
He was overlooked for Vic Metro’s squad, but the explosive midfielder, with pace to burn, stormed home in the NAB League, posting a SuperCoach ton in each of his final seven matches.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
21. Thomson Dow (Rich)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 48
NAB League: 102
The younger brother of Carlton’s Paddy, Dow tallied 23 disposals or more in four of his five NAB League matches last season and won 52 per cent of his possession in a contest. There’s a few ahead of him at the Tigers, however.
RATING: 2 - No to start with
22. Deven Robertson (Bris)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 128
WAFL Colts: 153
The tough ball-winning midfielder, who captained WA to a national under-18 title, broke Sam Walsh’s disposal record at last year’s carnival and averaged 128 SuperCoach points per game. A must-have if he can squeeze his way into a strong Brisbane side.
RATING: 4 - Consider
23. Dylan Williams (Port)
Fwd-Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 30
NAB League: 90
Williams had his draft year cut short by a back injury, but there was still plenty of glimpses of his talent. The 18-year-old averaged 13 disposals, six score involvements and two goals per game in the NAB League and might pop up inside 50 for the Power this year.
RATING: 2 - No to start with
24. Harry Schoenberg (Adel)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 121
SANFL Reserves: 89
The 18-year-old’s hands are brilliant at the contest and he also wins plenty of football on the spread. It will be a new look Crows’ midfield in 2020 and Schoenberg has fantasy star written all over him.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
25. Jackson Mead (Port)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 105
SANFL Reserves: 100
The strong-bodied, versatile Mead has impressed at Alberton over summer and might be worthy of an on-field spot in SuperCoach this season, despite the recent hamstring injury.
RATING: 4 - Consider
26. Will Gould (Syd)
Def, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 99
SANFL: 88
The ready-made defender, who played an important role in Glenelg’s drought-breaking grand final win, delivering with precision from the back-half, in the SANFL could play 22 games this year without a problem.
RATING: 5 - Lock him in
27. Jeremy Sharp (GC)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 82
WAFL: 68
The outsider midfielder is an elite runner with terrific skills and the Suns traded up on draft night to gain access to the 18-year-old, who played six senior games in the WAFL last year. Sharp should get an opportunity in the Marsh Community series.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
28. Josh Worrell (Adel)
Def-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 75
NAB League: 93
There’s plenty of Justin Westhoff in the versatile 195cm Victorian, who played in each third of the ground last year. But Worrell has done most of his pre-season work in defence and looks likely to start his AFL career in the back-half.
RATING: 2 - No to start with
29. Finn Maginness (Haw)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 87
NAB League: 113
The Hawks’ new endurance king, who averaged 21 disposals, five tackles and 113 points in the NAB League last year, has the body to step straight into senior footy in 2020.
RATING: 3 – Watchlist
30. Harrison Jones (Ess)
Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 63
NAB League: 75
The 194cm Jones is a developing big man, who led all key-forwards for score assists per game in the NAB League in 2019. But he’s not SuperCoach-relevant this year.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
31: Charlie Comben (NM)
Ruck-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 79
The developing big man, who averaged the second-most contested marks at the under-18 championships, has done some nice things in his first pre-season at North Melbourne but we’re unlikely to see him at the top level this year.
RATING: 5 - Lock him in (as your R3 loophole)
32: Trent Rivers (Melb)
Def-Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 94
WAFL Colts: 149
Rivers starred at last year’s national under-18 championships with his ball-use and speed from half-back – traits which appear to address the needs of a Melbourne side looking to bounce back.
RATING: 4 - Consider
33: Brock Smith (Bris)
Def, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 69
NAB League: 100
The 188cm defender is tough, hard to beat one-on-one and could play a role in Brisbane’s defence, like Noah Answerth did last year, in his debut season.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
34: Jack Mahony (NM)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 105
NAB League: 114
The 176cm small forward, rated by Champion Data as the 14th-best player in the draft, led the national carnival for score involvements and score assists and is ready to go after impressing over summer.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
35: Flynn Perez (NM)
Def, $117,300
Dnp
Averaged 16 disposals and four intercept possessions in the TAC Cup in 2018 as a bottom-age player but missed the entire 2019 season with an ACL injury.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
36: Elijah Taylor (Syd)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 67
WAFL Colts: 108
Taylor was rated as the most-talented by WA under-18 coach Peter Sumich and his speed, class and x-factor would add another dimension to a developing Sydney forward line 2020. His scoring potential isn’t as high as some but he could force his way in.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
37: Keidean Coleman (Bris)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 53
NEAFL: 80
Physically-ready after playing 18 games for the Lions’ reserves, as part of the club’s Academy, last season. Coleman booted 11 goals as a forward before impressing as an intercepting-defender in the second half 2019. Tough side to crack, though, despite his versatility.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
38: Nick Bryan (Ess)
Ruck, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 74
NAB League: 80
The athletic, ball-winning big man, who averaged 13 disposals per game in the NAB League, might be SuperCoach-relevant one day but it won’t be this year. Or next.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
39: Chad Warner (Syd)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 89
WAFL Colts: 156
The tough, inside midfielder was the No. 1 contested-ball player at WAFL Colts level last year and only Luke Jackson averaged more SuperCoach points per game. Should score well if he gets an opportunity.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
40: Jay Rantall (Coll)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 83
NAB League: 121
Given the strength of the Collingwood side and the former Australian junior basketballer’s ongoing development, a debut still seems some way off. But Rantall, who won both of the club’s pre-season 2km time trials, should score well when it does come.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
41: Francis Evans (Geel)
Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 82
The 182cm forward booted five goals in his two NAB League appearances last season but that’s where his involvement in elite-level junior football started and finished. But I’m not about to start doubting recruiting mastermind Stephen Wells.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
42: Ronin O’Connor (Adel)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 66
WAFL Colts: 92
O’Connor’s contested-possession rate of 55 per cent for WA last year highlights his ability to win the ball at the contest. Despite his height, the 191cm midfielder, who captain Claremont to a WAFL Colts premiership, will be behind a few at the Crows for a while.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
43: Noah Cumberland (Rich)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 73
NEAFL: 35
As a member of the Lions Academy, the 18-year-old played five matches for Brisbane’s reserves side in the NEAFL last year, mainly as a forward, finishing with 10 disposals, four tackles and two goals in the grand final win over Southport.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
44: Will Martyn (Rich)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 58
NEAFL: 38
Another Lions Academy member who became a Tiger. Martyn played five reserves games for Brisbane but it was his form in the NAB League – 28 disposals and 132 points per game – which stood out.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
45: Trent Bianco (Coll)
Def-mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 98
NAB League: 118
The ball-magnet doesn’t win a lot of football in a contest but makes up for it with his efficiency. Bianco, who captain Oakleigh Chargers in 2019, is smart with ball in hand and uses it well on both sides of his body.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
46: Hugo Ralphsmith (Rich)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 49
NAB League: 88
The athletic running-machine spent most of his draft year playing as a forward but he also showed an ability to run and carry through the midfield. Richmond will let him develop in the VFL – there’s no rush.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
47: Sam Ramsay (Carl)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 120
He missed out on Vic Metro selection and was the 173rd-ranked player in the NAB League after 11 rounds. But the 180cm Ramsay moved into the midfield in Round 12 and only Matt Rowell averaged more SuperCoach points from that point. The left-footer scored 135 points or more in every game he played as a midfielder.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
48: Lachlan Gollant (Adel)
Def-Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 59
At 70kg, the 189cm Gollant, who boasts terrific hands, is a long-term midfield prospect at the Crows.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
49: Callum Jamieson (WC)
Ruck, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 62
WAFL Colts: 118
Jamieson was the second-ranked ruckman at WAFL Colts level for disposals, contested possessions and hitouts-to-advantage in 2019 but don’t expect to see him in the AFL for some time.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
50: Cam Taheny (Geel)
Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 67
SANFL: 70
One of South Australia’s most-talented draftees battled inconsistency last year but he booted 11 goals in the first three SANFL League matches of his career, proving he’s already a difficult match-up for more-senior opponents.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
51: Jake Riccardi (GWS)
Fwd, $117,300
VFL: 63
After booting 38 goals in 2019, the 195cm forward won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal as the VFL’s best young player and the Giants didn’t go after the mature-age forward to fill their NEAFL team.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
52: Ryan Byrnes (StK)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 57
NAB League: 119
The 18-year-old, who wins the ball at the contest and away from it, starred in the NAB League last season, averaging 26 disposals, 12 contested possessions and five clearances. He might surprise if given the opportunity.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
53: Louis Butler (WB)
Def-Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 67
NAB League: 104
Butler, an impressive runner with great versatility, averaged 23 disposals for Sandringham across half-back last year but the Bulldogs are blessed with ball-winners in that area.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
54: Bigoa Nyuon (Rich)
Def-Ruck, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 53
NAB League: 84
The athletically-gifted teenager still has plenty of developing to do but the potential is obvious. The 196cm Nyuon averaged five intercept possessions and two marks playing as a defender last year, while also impressing in the ruck.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
55: Trey Ruscoe (Coll)
Def-Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 82
WAFL Colts: 102
The 190cm Ruscoe averaged 20 disposals, six inside 50s and five clearances playing a midfield-forward role at WAFL Colts before moving to defence at the under-18 championships.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
56: Ned Cahill (Ess)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 79
NAB League: 102
Despite showing glimpses of his ball-winning ability further up the ground last year, Cahill is likely to start his career inside-50 after booting 23 goals and averaging four tackles, six score involvements and two score assists in the NAB League last year.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
57: Josh Morris (Haw)
Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 38
SANFL Under-18: 113
The 186cm forward struggled at the national carnival but dominated at junior level in the SANFL, booting 33 goals from seven under-18 games. Morris is a terrific set-shot for goal but he’ll take some time.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
58: Ben Johnson (WC)
Def, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 65
WAFL Colts: 111
Johnson is a lightly-built running-defender, who is just as impressive bursting away from the back-half as he is locking down an opponent. Fits the Eagles mould but he’s unlikely to push past any of his new teammates this year, despite playing league footy in the WAFL.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
59: Jaxon Prior (Bris)
Def, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 66
WAFL Colts: 145
Despite the strength of the Lions side, a readymade ball-winning defender, who averaged 28 disposals and seven intercept possessions per game at junior level (WAFL Colts) is straight on the fantasy watchlist. Especially when he made the step up to senior footy with ease.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
60: Jy Farrar (GC)
Fwd, $117,300
SANFL: 47
He might have only played two SANFL league games as a Crows top-up player but Gold Coast saw enough of Farrar’s eye-catching athleticism and speed. But he’s one mature-age recruit who may not be SuperCoach-relevant.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
61: Michael Frederick (Freo)
Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
SANFL U18: 93
The twin brother of Power rookie Martin, Frederick dominated the SANFL under-18 finals series, tallying 20 disposals and three goals in the semi-final before winning the medal as best afield in the grand final.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
62: Riley Garcia (WB)
Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: 85
WAFL: 57
The 175cm midfielder averaged 24 disposals, 11 contested possessions and six clearances for WA in the first three matches of the under-18 championships before tearing his ACL in the fourth.
RATING: 2 – Not to start with
63: Lachlan Johnson (Ess)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 94
The son of Brisbane premiership star Chris might have been quiet in his four other NAB League appearances but in Round 2, Johnson finished with 27 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 161 points. But he won’t play in 2020 due to a knee injury.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
64: Leo Connolly (StK)
Def-Mid, $117,300
U18 Champs ave: DNP
NAB League: 89
Lightly-built outside midfielder averaged 20 disposals and five rebound-50s in the NAB League last season but, despite his elite skills, is unlikely to graduate from the VFL in 2020.
RATING: 1 - Avoid
65: Tom Hutchesson (GWS)
Mid-Fwd, $117,300
SANFL: 61
The Giants drafted the mature-ager, who averaged 14 disposals and four score involvements last year, from the Crows’ SANFL side for a reason so expect to see him at some stage in 2020.
RATING: 3 - Watchlist
Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom analyses and rates every draftee ahead of the new season