KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s Marsh Series watch-list
After months of SuperCoach speculation, it’s time for some on-field action. The Phantom names every player who should be on your week one Marsh Series watch-list.
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The Marsh Community Series is here, SuperCoaches and The Phantom looks at who – and what – to look for in every week one game.
MARSH COMMUNITY SERIES WEEK 1
St Kilda v Hawthorn (RSEA Park), Thursday 7.10pm
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne (Marvel Stadium), Friday 7.10pm
Melbourne v Adelaide (Casey Fields), Saturday 4.40pm
Gold Coast v Geelong (Metricon Stadium), Saturday 6.40pm
Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide (Moreton Bay), Sunday 3.10pm
* All times local
* All games live on Fox Footy
St Kilda v Hawthorn
ST KILDA
Max King (Fwd, $123,900)
He’s battled injury for the past two years but the Saints are set to unleash the highly-rated 19-year-old key-forward in 2020 after an impressive summer, which included a standout four-goal intra-club performance.
Ben Long (Fwd, $283,100)
Look out for the 22-year-old’s speed and flair from half-back after a significant pre-season role change.
Rowan Marshall (Ruck, $598,700)
Keep an eye on how coach Brett Ratten works his new-look ruck brigade, which now features former Power big man Paddy Ryder (Ruck, Fwd $449,100).
Hunter Clark (Def, $402,200)
The 20-year-old could take a big step in his third-year after a big finish to 2019. Damaging off half-back but look for his hands at the contest, if he’s in the midfield, on Thursday night
Dan Butler (Fwd, $234,600)
The speedy pressure-forward was recruited from the Tigers to play a role and has been named at half-forward. Keep him in mind.
MISSING: Dylan Roberton (corked knee) and Dan Hannebery (managed) will miss the opening match of the series, while young midfield Jack Bytel has been named as an emergency.
HAWTHORN
Tom Mitchell (Mid, $630,900)
The Brownlow Medallist played three quarters – and had 21 disposals – in last week’s internal trial. SuperCoaches will take that against the Saints as he builds towards a Round 1 return.
Chad Wingard (FWD, MID $412,300)
Averaged 26 disposals and 91 points in the final month of 2019, pushing up through the midfield. And he was an early standout in a similar role in the intra-club match. See if he does the same on Thursday night.
Jon Patton (Fwd, Ruck $337,000)
The strong-marking forward booted three goals in an impressive practice-match display last week and will put his name further in the SuperCoach spotlight with a similar performance against the Saints.
James Worpel (Mid $527,000)
Exploded on to the SuperCoach scene last year in the absence of Mitchell. But what happens in 2020? We should get an early indication.
Jon Ceglar (Fwd, Ruck $417,000)
The 29-year-old posted scores of 110, 83 and 94 in the final three rounds of last year and is likely to be the No. 1 man if Ben McEvoy remains in defence.
MISSING: Popular defender James Sicily won’t play against the Saints but still keep an eye on the stucture of Hawthorn’s back-six with ruckman-turned-defender McEvoy set to be a part of it.
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
WESTERN BULLDOGS
MIDFIELD GUNS
Jack Macrae (MID $668,900), Josh Dunkley (MID $632,400) and Marcus Bontempelli (MID $623,000) proved they can all big playing in the same midfield. But let’s just be sure Luke Bevridge doesn’t start playing with the magnets again.
Pat Lipinski (Fwd, Mid $441,500)
If he doesn’t, turn your attention to the next group, which includes Lipinski and second-year gun Bailey Smith (FWD, MID $415,900). How do they fit in to the midfield after impressive 2019 campaigns?
Caleb Daniel (Def, $537,800)
Skilful 23-year-old will, again, be one of the Bulldogs’ playmakers across half-back and he might soon convince a few more of his place as a top-six SuperCoach defender.
Ben Cavarra (Fwd $123,900)
Despite a number of injury issues last season, the 24-year-old booted 19 goals from 12 VFL matches. Can he push for a senior debut in his second year?
MISSING: Top draft pick Cody Weightman (Fwd, $144,300) has been named as an emergency, while No. 1 ruckman Tim English (Ruck, $448,400) will miss after copping a head knock in last week’s intra-club.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Aidan Bonar (FWD, MID $202,800)
The big-bodied midfielder played predominantly in an on-ball role in North Melbourne’s intra-club last week and SuperCoaches will want to see similar throughout the Marsh Series.
Jack Mahony (Fwd, Mid $117,300)
The 176cm small forward, who averaged 106 points and led the competition for score involvements and assists at the national under-18 carnival, is one to keep an eye on after an impressive summer.
Jy Simpkin (Fwd, Mid $383,000)
Can Simpkin make the transition to full-time midfielder in his fourth-year or will an exciting Tarryn Thomas (Fwd $339,900), fresh from a standout intra-club performance, pass him?
Dom Tyson (Mid $287,600)
Don’t forget about the 26-year-old, whose first year at North Melbourne was ruined by injury. He played three-quarters at Arden Street last Friday and should feature prominently on Thursday in the absence of a number of teammates.
MORE SUPERCOACH ADVICE
What to look for in the Marsh Community Series
All the SuperCoach intel from every practice match
First-year bible: Every draftee rated
SuperCoach Jury: Key questions answered
Melbourne v Adelaide
MELBOURNE
Luke Jackson (RUCK $198,300)
With pre-season injuries to Max Gawn and Brayden Pruess, the athletic big man, taken at pick No. 3 in last year’s draft, will get a big opportunity to show why some say he’ll be the next Brodie Grundy.
Kysaiah Pickett (FWD $157,800)
Tough, aggressive excitement machine could be unleashed in Round 1 and the Demons’ top pick doesn’t need many touches to have an impact. He’ll be fun to watch.
Ed Langdon (MID $466,300)
The impressive runner averaged 28 disposals from Round 20 onwards last year but can he hit the ground running at his new club?
Clayton Oliver (Mid $593,900)
Played well in last year’s pre-season competition and that was after a double-shoulder reconstruction. Let’s see what the midfield bull can do after an uninterrupted summer.
Aaron vandenBerg (Fwd, Mid $248,000)
The 27-year-old has played just seven games in the past two years but he’s fit and there’s a spot for him.
Tom Sparrow (Fwd $182,500)
Strong-bodied midfielder played two senior games in his debut season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the VFL.
Tom McDonald (Fwd $387,000)
In his last game before a knee injury ended his season in July last year, McDonald finished with 20 disposals, nine marks, six goals and 139 points.
ADELAIDE
Chayce Jones (Mid $271,500)
The 20-year-old has been a standout on the track over summer, winning both of the club’s 2km time trial, and showcased his breakaway speed and ball-winning ability as a midfielder in the Crows’ recent match-sim.
Tyson Stengle (FWD $202,000)
Stengle inherited Eddie Betts’ No. 18 jumper and also looks set to take his forward-50 spot, too, after booting five majors in the practice match.
Ned McHenry (MID $123,900)
The running machine averaged 21 disposals, six marks and give takes in his first five SANFL games last year. And then, after recovering from a back injury, tallied four goals and 123 points in the semi-final. Monitor his role against the Demons.
Bryce Gibbs (MID $375,100)
On the other hand, Gibbs has been training in defence over summer with new coach Matthew Nicks’ set to use Gibbs’ composure and foot-skills from half-back. But can he win enough ball alongside Rory Laird and Wayne Milera to become SuperCoach-relevant again?
Shane McAdam (FWD $123,900)
Struggled fitness-wise in his debut season but he’s been ticking all the right boxes of late. Booted three goals in the intra-club and will be looking to make his case.
Billy Frampton (FWD $165,400)
Can the former Power big man force his way past Elliot Himmelberg, who appears to have one hand on the back-up ruck role?
Ben Keays (FWD $266,100)
The former Lion averaged 22 disposals, three tackles and three goals per game in the NEAFL last year and will get an early opportunity to make his case.
MISSING: Fischer McAsey (Def $184,800) is being managed while Brodie Smith will sit out ahead of next week’s Bushfire Relief match.
Gold Coast v Geelong
GOLD COAST
Matt Rowell (Mid $207,300)
The No. 1 pick has impressed on the track and dominated in the practice match against the Lions. Now can he do it in the official pre-season competition? Yes.
Will Brodie (Mid $435,800)
After a strong finish to 2019 and an impressive performance against Brisbane, the strong-bodied midfield looks set to take a big step in 2020. Keep him on the watch-list, despite the price.
Hugh Greenwood (FWD, MID $463,100)
Look for the former Crow to start at the centre bounce and get his hands on the ball first more often than not. Look to see if he can win some footy away from the contest, too.
Connor Budarick (MID, FWD $106,900)
There’s been plenty of hype around his fellow draftees but don’t forget about the 18-year-old Academy gun, who played eight NEAFL games in his draft year. The same goes with WA running machine Jeremey Sharp (MID $117,300)
Brandon Ellis (Mid $470,800)
How much footy can he win in his role at the Suns?
Jez McLennan (Def $123,900)
He was named senior emergency a number of times last year so the 185cm defender is close. But how does coach Stuart Dew fit all the talent in one side?
MISSING: Izak Rankine (Fwd $123,900) will miss the Suns’ first Marsh Series match with a minor shoulder issue.
GEELONG
Brad Close (Mid, Fwd $109,900)
The Cats are the mature-age kings so don’t be surprised to see the 21-year-old, who starred for Glenelg in the SANFL last year, in the Round 1 mix.
Quinton Narkle (Mid $396,000)
Is there room for him in the Geelong midfield? Has the SuperCoach scoring power to do some damage if given the opportunity. But keep in mind the players missing.
Jacob Kennerley (Def $123,900)
The dominant runner of the 2018 draft class returned to Geelong training in outstanding condition in December, pushing some of the club’s best athletes, Mark Blicavs included, over summer. See how he fits in as he pushes for an early-season debut with no Mitch Duncan on the wing.
Cooper Stephens (Mid $139,800)
The strong-bodied midfielder spent the second-half of 2018 working his way back to full fitness after breaking his leg in April. But the 18-year-old, who arrived in terrific condition, has impressed over summer and was a standout in the recent match simulation against Collingwood.
Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide
BRISBANE
Brandon Starcevich (DEF, MID $147,700)
The retirement of veteran Luke Hodge has left a spot open across half-back at the Lions. And, after a standout pre-season to-date, Starcevich, who battled injury last year, is right in the mix to fill the void.
Callum Ah Chee (MID $311,700)
As he did late in his time at Gold Coast, Ah Chee played in defence for the Lions in the recent practice match, taking a number of kick-ins. Will he be Brisbane’s go-to man from the goalsquare?
Grant Birchall (DEF $292,700)
The former Hawk played across half-back and, most-importantly, got through unscathed in last week’s hitout against the Suns. Interested SuperCoaches will take that again this week.
Deven Robertson (Mid $117,300)
Given the strength of the Lions’ midfield, can the ready-made 18-year-old, who averaged 128 SuperCoach points for WA at the national carnival, do enough to force his way in?
Cam Rayner (Fwd $251,800)
The 20-year-old is leaner heading into his third season in the competition but does that mean he’ll push further up the ground?
PORT ADELAIDE
Dan Houston (Def, mid $484,800)
If you’re not buying into the hype or believe Houston could finish the year as Port Adelaide’s best midfielder, make sure you’re watching on Sunday.
Mitch Georgiades (FWD $130,800)
Showed why senior assistant Michael Voss declared him a likely Round 1 starter after a standout intra-club performance last Friday. The 19-year-old will get every opportunity to cement his place.
Connor Rozee (Fwd, Mid $422,100)
The teenage sensation started in the centre square in the Power’s internal trial but reverted to a forward line role in the second-half. Look to see where he spends most of his time on Sunday.
Brad Ebert (Fwd $415,200)
It’s a similar story for the 29-year-old, who has put last year’s concussion issues behind him. Will he take some of Ollie Wines’ midfield minutes while the former co-captain recovers from shoulder surgery?
Tobin Cox (Fwd $123,900)
The 181cm Cox, who booted 31 goals in 14 SANFL matches last year, is terrific above his head and clean at ground-level and will be eyeing the spot left vacant by Sam Gray at the Power.
Joe Atley (MID $215,000)
Following Port’s internal trial, Voss said Atley has “had a really, really solid pre-season and he’s asked some serious questions”. Don’t forget about him.
MISSING: There was no room for draftees Miles Bergman (FWD $148,000) and Dylan Williams (FWD, MID $117,300) in the Power’s first Marsh Series squad.
Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s Marsh Series watch-list