KFC SuperCoach 2022: How every cheapie performed in round 1 and who needs to be traded
Who are the must-have rookies in KFC SuperCoach after round 1? Who is on thin ice and who should be on the trade watch list? Get the expert verdict on every relevant cheapie.
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Is it the year of the forward rookie?
It certainly seems like it after round 1 after three KFC SuperCoach tons from forward debutants – but let’s look a little deeper.
In the past we have all been burnt by the inconsistent and paltry scoring from cash cows in the forward line.
That is why you shouldn’t rue not starting – or benching – Crows top-10 pick Josh Rachele, supplementary sensation Nic Martin or mature-age Saint Jack Hayes.
As that superannuation ad tells us, past performance isn’t always a reliable indicator of future performance.
Just last year, Crows cheapie James Rowe backed up a KFC SuperCoach ton on debut in round 1 with scores of 19 and 40.
The very next week, many jumped on Braeden Campbell at $189,300 after he posted a monster score of 119, only for him to score just 29 the following round.
Campbell experienced a price rise of $41,000, but rose only a further $14k before he was dropped ahead of round 7.
If you anticipate using more than two trades in round 3 before price changes – or three trades if you are planning on using a trade boost – then snaring one of the trio of red-hot forward rookies this week is a smart play.
Find out the cheapies you should buy and sell this week and who should be on your rookie watchlist
ROUND 2 BUYS
1. Josh Rachele (Adel) $184,200 FWD/MID
If you don’t own this excitement machine, get him in ASAP. His Crows teammate flopped after a round 1 stunner last year, but don’t expect Rachele to do the same against Collingwood on Saturday. Including Adelaide’s two practice matches, Rachele has booted 11 goals from three games as a Crow, posting scores of 85, 85 and 118. The priority rookie signing for the 30 per cent that don’t own the dangerous forward.
2. Jack Hayes (StK) $102,400 FWD/RUC
Hayes replicated his SANFL scoring dominance over the past two years on AFL debut, registering a whopping 127 points – coincidentally, just one point below his KFC SuperCoach average for Woodville-West Torrens last season. And apparently he did it all while battling injury. His strength, athleticism and mobility saw him fit in seamlessly in a forward-ruck role, and concerns about his job security with Paddy Ryder still to return were allayed. With Ryder set to make his way back through the VFL, Hayes should have at least another week or two supporting Rowan Marshall in the ruck. But will it be that way forever? Regardless, the fact Hayes only stands at 193cm means the Saints can probably fit Max King, Tim Membrey, Paddy Ryder and Hayes in the same forward line – especially if he keeps up this kind of form.
3. Nic Martin (Ess) $102,400 FWD
Martin’s job security skyrocketed after his incredible debut in a Dons drubbing. The forward-wingman tallied 27 disposals and slotted five goals, and his score of 114 would have been much higher if the game hadn’t been over by quarter-time. Martin did not finish with more than 21 disposals or three goals in the WAFL last year, so don’t expect this kind of return every week, but a dirt cheap rookie with this kind of scoring potential is a gift.
And if you don’t have Nick Daicos, just trade him in.
Patrick McCartin and Mitch Hinge started in most teams and also shape as must-haves ahead of Round 3 given the dearth of rookies in defence.
WATCHLIST
Corey Durdin (Carl) $143,700 FWD
While the aforementioned three stole the limelight, Durdin also impressed for the Blues in round 1, scoring 71 points and kicking two majors from 14 disposals. The creative small forward worked his way up the ground and looks to have nailed down a spot in Carlton’s attacking arc.
Alex Davies (GC) $202,500 MID
It is only a matter of time before this guy becomes a household name in KFC SuperCoach: his game is built for it. Davies finished strongly against the Eagles to score 90 points and, typically, 10 of his 14 possessions were won in a contest. One to watch as a possible sideways trade.
Josh Gibcus (Rich) $171,300 DEF
Gibcus got better as the game went on against the Blues, scoring 56 points from 10 disposals. With options few and far between in defence, he presents as a slow burn rookie option who can provide cover off the bench. Nick Vlastuin’s recent setback improves his short-term job security, but the Tigers should stick with him beyond that if he continues in the same vein as his debut.
Jackson Mead (PA) $123,900 MID
Mead proved to be the best of the cheap bench rookie bunch in round 1, scoring 52 points from 10 disposals and three tackles. While he didn’t win much of the footy, his output is a positive and if he goes bigger next round, we may have to entertain a sideways trade from the likes of Mitch Owens or Jake Soligo.
Dylan Stephens (Syd) $167,800 MID
Stephens’ score was hurt by three frees against, but he still managed a solid 59-point total in round 1. His job security appears sound and he should be a steady scorer for our sides, and he may be more trustworthy than Josh Ward as an on-field option. He currently resides in 31 per cent of teams so keep an eye on him if you don’t own him.
Finn Maginness (Haw) $143,700 FWD-MID
Maginness couldn’t hit a barn door in first half but his disposal improved after being moved up the ground, where he slotted a goal in the final term. The third-year Hawk finished with 14 disposals, five tackles and 63 points – and that was with five clangers. Maginness’s job security could be helped by his versatility, and his FWD-MID status is handy in KFC SuperCoach.
Tristan Xerri (NM) $208,200 FWD
Xerri looked to be a major risk when he was named in the North Melbourne forward line last Friday with tall recruit Callum Coleman-Jones in the same side, but the match itself told a different story with Xerri starting in the ruck. According to Fantasy Freako, Xerri attended 46 ruck contests compared to Goldstein’s 31, while CCJ was at just five. Another thing in Xerri’s favour was Todd Goldstein’s impact as a forward, where he booted two goals. The Roos face the might of Nic Naitanui next week, so keep an eye out to see his role and how he fares. But even if he does go well, how will we be able to fit him in along with all the other forward rookies?
Luke Foley (WCE) $244,900 DEF
Many footy fans wouldn’t recognise Foley if he bumped into them on the street, but an enhanced role saw the Eagles defender lift his output in round 1. His 24 disposals and eight marks yielded 98 points, and with defenders Tom Cole and Campbell Chesser both placed on the inactive list, Foley’s ball-winning may continue to be relied upon. However, the return of Liam Duggan and Alex Witherden in the next 1-2 weeks could impact his scoring. But if he goes big again, he needs to come into consideration with limited defensive rookie options.
HOLD
Josh Ward (Haw) $180,300
Ward is currently the second most traded player in KFC SuperCoach, but it is worth persisting with the top-10 draftee for at least another week. The ball-winner came into the game under an injury cloud and sat out most of the last quarter with an ankle concern, meaning his 36-point effort isn’t reflective of his scoring potential. He top-scored for the Hawks in their final practice game with 124 points, so it’d be rash to trade him out if he remains in their line-up.
SELL
Mitch Owens (StK) $117,300 MID
Kaine Baldwin (Ess) $123,900 FWD
Jake Soligo (Adel) $117,300 MID
Brady Hough (WCE) $117,300 MID
Hugh Dixon $102,400 FWD/RUC
Connor MacDonald $117,300 MID
Sam De Koning (Geel) $123,900 FWD/DEF
Owens is unlikely to get another run after six disposals from less than a half of game time against the Magpies. Baldwin managed 29 points from seven disposals, while Soligo finished on the same score from just five touches. All three of these players present as viable trade options for Rachele, Martin or Hayes this week.
TEAMS WATCH
Brady Hough (WCE) $117,300 MID
Hugh Dixon (WCE) $102,400 FWD/RUC
Connor MacDonald $117,300 MID
Sam De Koning (Geel) $123,900 FWD/DEF
MacDonald had some nice moments playing at half-forward but could be the unlucky Hawk to make way for Luke Breust, after the veteran goalkicker missed round 1 due to health and safety protocols. Dixon kicked a goal in his second AFL game – and first since 2019 – but it remains unclear whether he and Jack Darling will be selected in the same side. While fellow Eagles debutant Hough showed signs of promise, the lightly built utility may suffer a similar fate to Dixon with a host of Eagles set to return this weekend.
De Koning is perhaps unlucky to be on this list after suffering a concussion, which will sideline him for round 2, but there is no guarantee he slots straight back into the Cats side after a week off. Look to hold him until round 3 and assess whether he gets another opportunity – he could be a sideways trade to Sam Skinner.
ON THE HORIZON
Sam Skinner (PA) $123,900 DEF/FWD
Josh Sinn (PA) $157,8000 DEF/MID
Luke Pedlar (Adel) $123,900 FWD/MID
Skinner has come to our rescue with the intercepting defender set to fill the void left by injured defenders Aliir Aliir and Trent McKenzie, the former who will be sidelined for the next two months. Skinner has DEF/FWD eligibility and averaged 84 points in the SANFL last season. Sinn was also flagged as a possible inclusion in News Corp’s predicted round 2 teams, along with Pedlar, who booted four majors in a SANFL practice match on the weekend.
And finally, if you’re one of the teams with Nathan O’Driscoll (20.1 per cent), Elijah Hollands (15.3 per cent), Will Kelly (14.8 per cent), James Tsitas (10.3 per cent) and Will Gould (5.1 per cent), trade them out for a playing rookie on the buys or watchlist above - unless you picked them as a loophole.
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Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2022: How every cheapie performed in round 1 and who needs to be traded
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