KFC SuperCoach 2021: The Phantom’s rookie rankings
The Round 1 team sheets have forced a last-minute reshuffle in The Phantom’s rookie rankings. Here are the top cheapies in every position.
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The key to success is in KFC SuperCoach is nailing your rookie-price selections.
To help you sort the good from the bad, The Phantom has ranked the best cheapies in every position — with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.
With the teams - and debutants - flooding in, here are the final rankings.
DEFENDERS
1. Tom Highmore (StK)
$117,300
AAMI Series score: 47
Highmore couldn’t have done much more to make his case during his first pre-season at the club.
“In terms of his courage and ball use, you wonder how he hasn’t already been on an AFL list,” Saints co-captain Jack Steele said recently.
“It is great to have him and good to get those sort of surprise packets from the draft.”
The 22-year-old, who also impressed coach Brett Ratten, was the No. 1 ranked player in the SANFL for intercept marks in 2020 and kicked the footy at 83 per cent efficiency.
After averaging 106 KFC SuperCoach points at NEAFL level in 2019, Highmore posted scores of 112, 76, 103, 163, 108 and 146 in the opening six rounds of the SANFL before going down with injury.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict:Has all the tools to be a great KFC SuperCoach scorer from the get-go. And, after stepping up in the AAMI Series match against the Blues when James Frawly went down - along with injuries to Jarryn Geary and Ben Paton - he looks a likely Round 1 starter, and solid on-field option.
2. Jacob Koschitzke (Haw)
$123,900
AAMI Series score: 130
He was an under-18 All-Australian backman and, for the best part of his first two years on the Hawks list, Koschitzke played in defence.
But the 196cm big man was thrown forward late last year and looks set to fill the Jack Gunston void for Hawthorn early in 2021 after providing a strong presence in attack against the Bulldogs.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Only averaged 45 points as a defender in the VFL in 2019 so the forward move isn’t just good for his Round 1 chances, it’s good for KFC SuperCoaches. And, after booting six goals on his way to 130 points against the Kangaroos in the AAMI Series game, it’s good for the Hawks, too. He won’t do that every week, but he appears a bench lock after coach Alastair Clarkson hinted at a Round 1 debut this week.
3. Nik Cox (Ess)
$175,800, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 32
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 has him in the mix for senior action in 2021.
And all his standout traits have been on show in the pre-season with Cox winning plenty of the ball, as well as booting a goal and taking a hanger, on a wing, in the Dons’ intra-club before repeating the performance in the practice match against the Blues.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Wasn’t a big KFC SuperCoach scorer in his bottom-age NAB League season, and that’s a slight concern given the elevated rookie-price but we’re not blessed with options in defence. Despite kicking 0.2, Cox covered the ground well against the Cats and will play in Round 1.
4. Harry Sharp (Bris)
$117,300, Mid
AAMI Series score: 52
Sharp, who shattered the Draft Combine 2km time-trial record last year, is the KFC SuperCoach bolter in defence after his surprise debut confirmed on Friday.
The 183cm Sharp tallied 10 touches, a goal and 52 KFC SuperCoach points in under a half of the AAMI Series, exceeding coach Chris Fagan’s expectations so much he’s been picked for Round 1.
A national steeplechase champion, the running machine mixed his time between football and athletics as a junior and has come on quicker than first thought.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Will help fill the midfield void left by the injured Cam Rayner and is the extra bottom-price playing option in defence we’ve been crying out for. The dual-position status is handy, too.
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5. Jordon Butts (Adel)
$176,800
AAMI Series score: 70
With the pre-season injuries to Daniel Talia and Tom Doedee, along with Fischer McAsey’s struggle with form, Butts has been thrown into battle, twice shaping up against Power big man Charlie Dixon.
“Sometimes young fellas are going to get the opportunity and they’ve gotta step up… and Buttsy’s certainly done that,” Crows assistant Scott Burns said after the warm-up match at Alberton.
And then the 21-year-old, who played two senior games last year for KFC SuperCoach returns of 54 and 40, got involved himself, finishing with 12 disposals, five marks and 70 points in Sunday’s rematch.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Butts averaged 16 disposals and six intercept possessions in his first year in the SANFL in 2019 and his 70-point AAMI Series brings him right into the KFC SuperCoach mix. Doedee is back but Butts has been named at fullback in Round 1.
6. Lachie Jones (Port)
$139,800
AAMI Series score: 44
The 184cm, 87kg ready-made defender, starred at SANFL League level, taking mark of the year and matching it with the experienced bodies.
After averaging 141 points per game in his final eight under-18 games in his bottom-age season of 2019, Jones played 16 senior games last year and posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 107, 81 and 92 in the finals series.
And, despite Port Adelaide’ depth in defence, Jones, who can play on talls and smalls, is a chance to break in right away.
“We saw today some of his power and ability to get out of traffic is AFL standard,” Port SANFL coach Matthew Lokan said after the Power’s intra-club match where Jones featured in the ‘best-22’ side in the second-half.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Despite all the good signs, and the fact he’s ready to play, unfortunately for KFC SuperCoaches, Jones has been overlooked for Round 1. He’d No. 1 on this list, otherwise.
7. Nick Murray (Adel)
$102,400
AAMI Series score: 39
SSP signings and KFC SuperCoach, it’s a match made in heaven. The 20-year-old officially became a Crow following the AAMI Series and he’s quickly found his way onto this list.
Murray averaged 13 disposals, four intercepts and 66 points in the NEAFL in 2019 and is a chance to help fill the early-season void in defence.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Does he play alongside Butts? An injury may have answered the question for us. The mature-age recruit is battling a rolled ankle and won't play in Round 1. But let’s hope the basement-price rookie pops up at some point.
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8. Lachie Young (NM)
$202,800, Mid
AAMI Series score: 50
Young, who landed at North Melbourne in the off-season after being traded by the Bulldogs, wasn’t a big KFC SuperCoach scorer as a junior and he averaged 46 points from his six career matches at the Dogs.
But, unlike a number of others on the list, the neat-kicking defender is a big chance to line up across half-back in Round 1 in what could be a KFC SuperCoach friendly role.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: After posting a solid 50 in the AAMI Series, where he spent time playing on the Hawthorn talls, the early verdict still stands.The scoring history and price keeps him down the list but does he have the best job security of them all?
9. Kieren Briggs (GWS)
$123,900, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 81
Just when KFC SuperCoaches had come to the realisation that rookie-price Giant Matt Flynn was going to lead GWS’ ruck brigade in the absence of Braydon Preuss, he does an ankle at training and Briggs steps in.
And he didn’t just step in. The 21-year-old, while he didn’t get much of the ball, got the better of experienced Swan Tom Hickey in the ruck, recording more total hitouts and four more to advantage.
Briggs has solid scoring history, too, averaging 100 in the final seven NEAFL games of 2019 and 116 at the 2018 under-18 national carnival.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Despite the impressive warm-up game, Leon Cameron has confirmed Flynn will play in Round 1. Could they play together? If he’s in, Briggs is an ideal D7 or D8, but it appears unlikely.
10. Connor Idun (GWS)
$214,900
AAMI Series score: 69
The 191cm Idun played three games in his first two years on the Giants list with his final game last year the highlight. In Round 18 against the Saints, the 20-year-old tallied 13 disposals, seven spoils and 83 KFC SuperCoach points.
He was drafted from Geelong as a forward in 2018 but has spent most of his time in Western Sydney developing as a tall-defender.
Idun’s versatility, however, could further enhance his job security after an impressive pre-season
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Appears a likely Round 1 starter after an solid 15-disposal, six-mark, 69-point game in the AAMI Series. But it’s a lot to pay.
Others to watch: Will Gould (Syd), Heath Chapman (Freo), Jacob Wehr (GWS), Liam Stocker (Carl), Denver Grainger-Barras (Haw), Isaac Chugg (Coll), Luke Foley (WC), Josh Worrel (Adel)
MIDFIELDERS
1. Errol Gulden (Syd)
$117,300
AAMI Series score: 77
The diminutive midfielder is a ball magnet who rarely fumbles, kicks goals and puts his teammates in better positions.
Gulden put together a standout junior career, impressing at every level he played at, posting KFC SuperCoach scores of 245, 177 and 149 at the under-16 national championships and 168, 131 and 105 in his three bottom-age NAB League games in 2019.
Then he averaged 88 points in three NEAFL matches as a 17-year-old.
The Swans Academy product has fit in seamlessly and, given his ability forward-of-centre, is a confirmed Round 1 starter.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: From what we’ve seen so far, something always happens when Gulden, who recorded 14 disposals and seven score involvements in the AAMI Series, has the ball forward-of-centre. He’s playing in Round 1 and is lock at $117k - I’m starting him on-field, too.
2. Tom Powell (NM)
$153,300
AAMI Series score: 57
If we’re talking pure KFC SuperCoach numbers, Powell is No. 1.
The ball magnet averaged 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, eight clearances and 154 KFC SuperCoach points in the SANFL under-18s last year, to win the McCallum Tomkins medal as the competition’s best player.
Powell passed three figures in every one of his 15 matches and recorded two KFC SuperCoach double tons.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Powell was impressive in North Melbourne’s midfield against the Saints and was the club’s leading disposal winner to half time in the AAMI Series clash with the Hawks. He might start at half-forward but he’s still good enough to win plenty of ball.
3. Anthony Scott (NM)
$102,400, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 79
The 25-year-old, who won Footscray’s best-and-fairest in the VFL last year, was added to the list as an SSP signing and can play multiple positions.
Of course he can.
But, seriously, any mature-age recruit with a $102k price tag is worth keeping an eye on, especially one who booted two goals and finished with 80 KFC SuperCoach points in the AAMI Series.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: I usually keep the dual-position rookies out of the midfield rankings but there’s plenty of great forward-eligible options so I’ve included Scott here. The Bulldogs have confirmed Scott will play this weekend, meaning every KFC SuperCoach should have him somewhere on the bench
4. James Jordon (Melb)
$123,900
AAMI Series score: 37
There’s plenty to like about the third-year Demon.
The 20-year-old was close to a debut in 2020 - only to hurt his finger at the wrong time -skipper Max Gawn has been talking him up in his podcast over summer and he started in Melbourne’s midfield for the practice match against the Tigers.
The 186cm Jordan spent the early part of 2019, his first year on the list, playing in defence in the VFL, but it wasn’t long before he was showing off his strength and clean hands at the contest through the middle, tallying 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 groundball-gets, eight clearances and 142 KFC SuperCoach points in Round 14.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Made a few errors against the Bulldogs but the role was there with Jordon attending eight centre bounces and winning 14 disposals. And it could be his to start the season, too, at least until Jack Viney returns, after Melbourne announced he will play on Saturday.
5. Sam Berry
$117,300
AAMI Series score: 13
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.
On that day against the Falcons, Berry finished with a huge 220 KFC SuperCoach points.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks will continue to play the kids and the pick No. 28 from last year’s draft has impressed over summer at West Lakes - his intra-club performance, in particular.
He only featured in the final quarter and a half of the AAMI Series, tallying four handballs, but, with star midfielder Matt Crouch ruled out indefinitely with a groin/hip issue, Berry will play against the Cats on Saturday.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Berry rockets right back onto the list and into the No. 5 spot after Nicks confirmed his Round 1 debut. A strong, aggressive ball-winner with terrific defensive traits suits what the Crows need so, if he can perform, he may not be the first player out when Crouch returns. And, as of Thursday, there’s no timeframe on that.
6. Lachie McNeil (WB)
$102,400
AAMI Series score: 35
The 18-year-old ball-magnet was overlooked in the 2019 draft despite a consistent year, which saw him have an influence as an inside midfielder at every level of football he played, including all four of SA’s under-18 national carnival matches.
But McNeil went back to the SANFL and played every senior game in 2020, averaging 18 disposals, four tackles and 74 points.
The 20-year-old, who was rookie listed by the Dogs, was a standout in the practice match and started forward in the AAMI Series clash with the Demons, confirming the thought he’s been earmarked for a role.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: McNeil’s Round 1 debut has also been confirmed and, while he might not be unleashed to win the ball in the midfield, a $102k playing rookie is a lock for your bench.
7. Tanner Bruhn (GWS)
$157,800
AAMI Series score: 62
Bruhn only played two games due to injury last year but at the under-16 national carnival in 2018, the well-balanced midfielder danced in and out of traffic and delivered with precision on his way to being named Vic Country’s MVP.
And he’s set to bring his class to the Giants’ forward-half - named as a definite Round 1 starter on Monday - after a dazzling AAMI Series performance.
“He’s probably in that mould, of, I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but Toby Greene started out his career (as) just a ball hunter. They want to get their hands on the footy, GWS coach Leon Cameron said after Bruhn’s four-goal, 62-point performance against the Swans.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: The Giants’ top pick will play but, despite his talent, the small-forward role pushes him down the list given the price.
8. Charlie Lazzaro (NM)
$117,300
AAMI Series score: 21
The 18-year-old, who averaged 104 KFC SuperCoach points in his bottom-age NAB League season in 2019, is skilful, clean at ground level and can play multiple roles through the midfield and as a forward.
And he’s ticked every box in his first pre-season, impressing the coaching staff on the track, in the intra-club match and with his performance against the Saints in the warm-up game.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Lazzaro, who started in the AAMI Series, is lightly-built but his ability to play forward has the No. 36 pick right in the frame for Round 1. And his creativity and ability to find space should see him have an impact if he does get a chance.
9. Connor Downie (Haw)
$117,300
AAMI Series score: 40
Downie is a great kick and has some serious speed, addressing two areas of need in Hawthorn’s engine room.
And, while he’s also been trialled across half-back and in a forward role, Hawks head of development Sam Mitchell recently confirmed Downie has “been playing mostly on a wing” over the pre-season.
The 185cm draftee is versatile and as dedicated as they come.
“He’s a ripper kid. Desperate to learn, desperate to improve, he wants to look at vision, he wants to grab hold of coaches,” Mitchell said.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Downie collected 17 disposals against the Kangaroos and, while he only posted KFC SuperCoach tons in four of his 14 NAB League games in 2019, his skill and readiness should lead to points early on. In big blow to the midfield rookie stocks, Downie will be the medical substitute on Saturday night. Don’t start him in Round 1.
10. Riley Collier-Dawkins (Rich)
$123,900
AAMI Series score: 16
Richmond’s top pick from the 2018 draft – No. 20 overall – is yet to break into the senior side, despite impressing in 20 VFL matches, with his 2019 grand final the highlight.
The 190cm midfielder, who boasts terrific speed away from the contest, was one of Richmond’s best, finishing with 15 disposals, nine contested possessions, six tackles, two goals and 109 KFC SuperCoach points – his third ton for the year - in the win over Williamstown.
Since then, Collier-Dawkins, who won 58 per cent of his possession in a contest in the VFL, has put on significant muscle and impressed all the right people.
“He’s has had a fantastic pre-season,” coach Damien Hardwick said on SEN in February.
“He’s very explosive, he’s very powerful, his fitness base has really improved and he’s matured.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: It’s a tough midfield to break into but, after biding his time, 2021 could be RCD’s year. Will it be Round 1, though? He attended eight centre bounces and tallied eight disposals in 39 per cent game-time against the Magpies to prove he’s ready. But star Dion Prestia will return for the season opener. Looms as the best downgrade option of the year.
Others to watch: Jackson Mead (Port), Luke Valente (Freo), Cooper Stephens Geel), Will Phillips (NM), Sam Berry (Adel), Alex Davies (GC), Luke Pedlar (Adel), Jeremy Sharp (GC), Thomson Dow (Rich)
RUCKMEN
1. Matthew Flynn (GWS)
$123,900
AAMI Series score: DNP
With Braydon Preuss’ injury, the GWS Academy graduate’s long wait for an AFL debut is over.
After being drafted at pick No. 41 in the 2015 national draft, the 200cm big man has failed to crack the senior side.
But the 23-year-old, after a slow start, has been developing nicely in the NEAFL in the past three years, and the Giants have confirmed his Round 1 debut.
In 26 matches in 2018 and 2019, Flynn averaged 15 disposals, 24 hitouts – seven to advantage – five marks, three clearances and 98 KFC SuperCoach points.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Flynn has overcome the ankle issue which kept him out of the AAMI Series and will lead the Giants in the ruck on Saturday. Sure, he has to perform, but he’s likely to be given every chance to hold down the role for the first half of the season at least.
2. Paul Hunter (StK)
$102,400
AAMI Series score: 77
The former Crow averaged 17 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, 30 hitouts and 136 KFC SuperCoach points for South Adelaide in the SANFL last year.
And, now, St Kilda has officially added him to its list in the wake of a standout intra-club performance and the foot injury to Rowan Marshall.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict:Hunter was impressive in the AAMI Series, finishing with 13 disposals and a goal against Blue Marc Pittonet. But, while he’s a chance to outscore Flynn early, what happens when Marshall and - maybe more specifically - Paddy Ryder return?
3. Lloyd Meek (Freo)
$123,900
AAMI Series score: 75
Before a season-ending foot injury in 2019, 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, two goals and 177 KFC SuperCoach against Swan Districts, before limping off the ground in the final quarter.
Given the injury, and then the COVID pandemic, it was his WAFL last game.
But he’s back, fit and put on some considerable size, according to fellow ruckman Sean Darcy.
And with Darcy’s injury setback, and Rory Lobb’s AAMI Series injury, Meek will finally get his chance.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: With the Dockers’ depleted ruck stocks, Meek is in for Round 1. Could he even keep Darcy out if he gets going? There’s not much seperating the top three for mine.
4. Josh Treacy (Freo)
$102,400, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 27
Before the Preuss/Marshall/Flynn news, Treacy was every KFC SuperCoach’s R3, featuring in more than 55.7 per cent of teams – only Nakia Cockatoo was in more.
And with dual-position status and a basement price tag, it was a no-brainer for loophole purposes.
But he’s impressed over summer with his physicality and contested marking, with forward Matt Taberner recently declaring Treacy has “a body ready for the AFL”.
In his bottom-age NAB League season, 194cm rookie-listed forward averaged 13 disposals, five score involvements, four marks – one contested – and 90 KFC SuperCoach points per game, while also booting 15 goals.
He may not turn out to be the best non-playing R3 loophole after all. He could, in fact, make money at some point.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: And, for a moment, after an impressive summer and Lobb’s injury, it look as if that money making would start right away. But the draftee has been suspended for an incident in last week’s WAFL practice match.
5. Riley Thilthorpe (Adel)
$202,800, Fwd
AAMI Series score: 12
As the No. 2 pick, he’s expensive but Thilthorpe is likely to see plenty of early action in his debut season.
The Crows 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.
“We’d really like to get him out there, the more games we can get into him early the better,” coach Matthew Nicks said on SEN in February.
His hands are terrific in the air and even better on the ground and, apart from being a strong-marking forward, has the ability to ruck or play on a wing, as he did in the second-half of the Crows’ intra-club hitout.
Thilthorpe averaged 139 KFC SuperCoach points for South Australia at the under-16 national carnival in 2018.
And on either side of his five senior appearances for West Adelaide as a 17-year-old in 2019, Thilthorpe posted scores of 138, 138, 172 and 144 in his final four SANFL under-18 games.
Then, before a lingering groin injury ended his season, Thilthorpe averaged 85 points in his nine league games in 2019, playing a ruck-forward role – one similar to what he’s going to start his AFL career in.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: After only appearing late in the second-half of the AAMI Series, he’s more one for the future in KFC SuperCoach.
FORWARDS
1. James Rowe (Adel)
$117,300
AAMI Series score: 63
After booting 35 goals in 2019, Rowe booted 38 majors in the minor round last year to win the Ken Farmer Medal as the SANFL’s leading goalkicker.
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, after a standout summer, he’s a Round 1 certainty.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: Rowe averaged 96 points per game, after posting 10 KFC SuperCoach tons, as a small-forward in the SANFL and scored 63 points, despite booting three behinds from 15 disposals, in the big AAMI Series loss to the Power. He’s a lock.
2. Braeden Campbell (Syd)
$189,300, Mid
AAMI Series score: 85
“We like what Braeden can deliver off half-back and through the midfield, just because of his kicking,” John Longmire said recently.
Co-captain Josh Kennedy was just as excited about the Academy gun, declaring on Melbourne radio that Campbell will “have a pretty immediate impact either in the midfield or half-forward/half-back”.
That’s probably enough for me – his junior numbers are just the sweetener.
The skilful, goalkicking midfielder starred at every level he played at through a standout underage career, averaging 127 KFC SuperCoach points at the under-16 national carnival and 123 in four NAB League games in his bottom-age season of 2019.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: After showing off his highly-publicised left-foot in the AAMI Series, scoring 85 points from half-back. Campbell’s Round 1 debut has been confirmed. A must-have DPP in the forward line or the midfield.
3. Chad Warner (Sydney)
$144,000
AAMI Series score: 89
The second-year Swan was flying under the KFC SuperCoach radar until his standout performance against the Giants.
Warner, who broke through for two senior games last year, tallied 19 disposals, 89 points and the second-most metres gained for the Swans.
In his draft year of 2019, Warner averaged a huge 156 SuperCoach points per game at WAFL Colts level.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: I was concerned about where he fits in but with Dylan Stephens battling some pre-season injury issues, Warner, too, will see midfield minutes in Round 1.
4. Miles Bergman (Port)
$123,900
AAMI Series score: 77
“I think Bergs (Miles Bergman) and Jonesy (Lachie Jones) will be stiff if they miss out on playing round 1.”
That’s what Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston told SEN in Adelaide before the AAMI Series.
And he’s not the only one to be impressed by the 19-year-old’s pre-season, which has seen his continued transition into defence.
“Miles looks really sharp. He’s ready to go,” Power assistant coach Brett Montgomery said of the converted half-back following practice match win over the Crows.
The talented Bergman averaged 120 points in the final six NAB League games of his draft year in 2019, playing a high half-forward/wing role.
The Phantom’s Final Verdict: Initially, the strength of Port Adelaide’s 22 kept him down this list. But, after tallying 17 disposals and eight marks in 79 per cent game-time in the AAMI Series, Bergman might be in it, as injured Power star Hamish Hartlett hinted on Friday.
5. Paddy Dow (Carl)
$202,400, Mid
AAMI Series score: 89
He won 60 per cent of his possession at the under-18 championships in a contest in 2017 and tallied 35 disposals, 21 contested possessions and six clearances in his final junior game.
Since then, however, Dow has passed the 80-point mark in KFC SuperCoach just once in 42 AFL matches.
But after a blistering midfield performance against the Bombers in the warm-up match, could this be the year the former No. 3 pick finally delivers on his potential?
The Phantom’s Final verdict: Possibly, despite Dow not setting the world on fire in the AAMI Series. The role was still there and he was clean at the contest. If it is the year, it would be a pretty big miss at the price.
6. Tyler Brockman (Haw)
$117,300, Mid
AAMI Series score: 80
“He is doing a few little special things where you think, there are not too many who could have done what he just did,” Hawks head of development Sam Mitchell said of the draftee in February.
And many others were thinking the same after the 18-year-old’s three first-quarter goals against the Kangaroos.
Maybe even Clarkson who mentioned Brockman was right in the mix for a Round 1 debut on Monday.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: KFC SuperCoach and small-forwards don’t usually mix but his job security might be solid.
7. Joe Daniher (Bris)
$233,300
AAMI Series score: 64.
I’m nervous. But he’s on fire.
If fit, can we leave out a $233k player who averaged 86 points in his last full season and posted a KFC SuperCoach ton in his first game back from a long spell last year?
Probably not.
Sure, that season was 2017 and Daniher has played just 15 of a possible 66 home-and-away matches since, but even if the 26-year-old, being fed by a star-studded Brisbane midfield, produced a big opening month, it would be worth it.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: There’s been no setback over summer and he booted four goals in the Lions’ intra-club hitout, four against the Suns in the practice match and another three in the AAMI Series. Sure, it could break you, but it could also make your year. Just sneaks into the rookie-price bracket.
8. Tom Fullarton (Bris)
$128,900, Ruck
AAMI Series score: 65
The former basketballer, who was recruited as a category B rookie from the NBL in 2018, has developed dramatically during his time at the Lions.
After impressing in the NEAFL with his athleticism, marking and running ability for a 200cm tall in 2019, Fullarton made his senior debut last year, booting 1.2 from eight disposals to finish with 54 KFC SuperCoach points.
He was injured in the first quarter of Brisbane’s next game.
Breakout big man Oscar McInerney will lead the ruck but Stefan Martin is no longer at the club and Archie Smith is yet to make the back-up spot his own.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: Fullarton booted two goals in an impressive forward line display in the AAMI Series and, with Dan McStay to miss up to five weeks with a knee injury, his short-term job security is solid.. And his dual-position status could come in handy.
9. Alec Waterman (Ess)
$102,400
AAMI Series score: 13
Another SSP signing who has rocketed straight in KFC SuperCoach contention.
After averaging 95 and 111 points in each of the past two WAFL seasons respectively, the 24-year-old, who was delisted by the Eagles last year, booted four goals against the Blues in the practice match.
But only featured late in the AAMI Series clash with the Cats, tallying two disposals in 25 per cent game-time.
The Phantom’s Final verdict: He hasn’t been named but look for him as a basement-price downgrade option at some stage in 2021.
10. Jarman Impey (Haw)
$212,800
AAMI Series score: 39
After returning from a knee reconstruction midway through last season, Impey spent time at either end of the ground, struggling to have a consistent impact.
But he’s back in defence, a position he averaged 74 points in from 17 games in 2019, and has been a highlight on the track for the Hawks over summer.
“His run and carry and his ability to break a line off half-back, we really missed that last year,” Hawthorn development coach Sam Mitchell told the club’s website in February.
After a slow start in his first year at the club in 2018, Impey also averaged 71 points from Round 8 onwards.
A return to even that level will see the 25-year-old make some early cash.
The Phantom’s Final verdict:It might all depend on which bottom-price rookies make the Round 1 cut but there’s no doubt Impey will play – and make money. Impey followed-up his impressive intra-club showing in the practice match against the Bulldogs - don’t worry about the reduced minutes in the AAMI Series.
OTHERS TO WATCH:Logan McDonald (Syd),Ned Cahill (Ess),Kade Chandler (Melb), Oliver Henry (Coll), Archie Perkins (Ess),Harrison Jones (Ess), Phoenix Spicer (NM), Finlay Macrae (Coll), Deven Robertson (Bris), Liam Henry (Freo), Sam Flanders (GC)
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Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2021: The Phantom’s rookie rankings
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