KFC SuperCoach 2023 rookie trade guide: Who to buy, hold and sell after round 1
More than 5000 KFC SuperCoaches have brought in Demons cheapie Kade Chandler ahead of round 2 — but is it a risk worth taking? Rookie guru Dan Batten gives his verdict.
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We’ve been hearing it for weeks. Getting the right rookies is the key to KFC SuperCoach success.
Coaches who started Harry Sheezel, Cam Mackenzie, Conor McKenna and Charlie Comben on the field last weekend reaped the benefits, but it’s not just about getting good scores in round one.
The rookies’ most important role is to increase in value to fund future trades, so we need to look at the long game and identify the cash cows who have a sustainable scoring profile and job security, making them must-haves before the first price changes kick in after round 3.
Post-round two is reserved for correction trades for most SuperCoaches, so we have two (or three including a Trade Boost) moves available.
But if you missed the boat on a likely must-have rookie you might want to pull the trigger this week to give you more options with next week’s trades.
Here’s our verdict on every relevant cheapie.
BRING IN THIS WEEK
Harry Sheezel (North Melb) $198,300 FWD – 114 points
We were unsure of the role but no one expected that kind of display when he lined up on Liam Ryan in defence. Sheezel shattered records with 34 disposals and 114 points, and Alastair Clarkson said he will be sticking in defence. Bring in ASAP.
Cam Mackenzie (Hawks) $180,300 MID – 93 points
Was at the MCG for this game and the vision and foot skills of the youngster was elite. The proof was in the pudding, posting 93 points from 18 disposals and he got plenty of centre-bounce action.
Conor McKenna (Bris Lions) $167,500 DEF – 93 points
Took some kick-ins and showcased his trademark dash out of defence, at one stage tallying several disposals in the one chain that saw him fly from the goalsquare to the middle of the ground in no time. Those who were scared off by his practice games will have to bite the bullet.
Reuben Ginbey (WCE) $171.300 DEF/MID – 85 points
Just got to have the top-10 pick, who spent most of his game time in a midfield role where he was ferocious with 12 tackles and showcased his trademark athleticism.
WATCH/WAIT A WEEK
Kade Chandler (Melb) $123,900 FWD – 93 points
Scored a combined 19 points in three matches as the sub last year, and scored close to five times that in an impressive round 1 display where he won 16 disposals and laid seven tackles. Could have been even better if he had kicked straighter (1.2). The cavalry is returning for the Dees and he is far from a best 22 lock, so wait to see another week before jumping on.
Luke Pedlar (Adel) $173,400 FWD – 83 points
I was unsure of Pedlar’s scoring in a small forward role, but he allayed those fears with 83 points from just 13 disposals. Definitely one to consider if Chandler and Comben go bust in round 2 – he may be the best POD forward rookie of that bunch.
Charlie Comben (North Melb) $123.9k FWD – 83 points
Who saw this coming after his score of -3 in his final practice game? Comben relished being thrown into the ruck after Tristan Xerri’s injury, finishing with a well-rounded stat line of 12 hitouts, 13 disposals, six tackles, a goal and 83 points. Watch to see if he gets ruck time next week with Todd Goldstein – who was surprisingly snubbed for round 1 – back in the side.
Tom Cole (WCE) $182,300 DEF – 78 points
The merry old soul may prove to be a diamond in the rough after his 20-disposal, 78-point display against the Roos. The Eagles love to chip it around in defence and he has season averages of 55 (2021), 67.9 (2020), 57 (2019) and 62 (2018) under his belt. Looks to be a shrewd sideways option for Liam Jones, but it is worth waiting another week to be absolutely sure.
Max Michalanney (Adel) $135,300 DEF – 62 points
If there is one thing you get with Michalanney, it’s efficient ball use. The Crows father-son hit the target with 11 of his 12 disposals and has to be on the watchlist.
Will Phillips (North) $158,300 MID – 65 points
What a tease! Came on as the sub in the second quarter and managed to rack up 17 disposals and 65 points in limited game time. If he starts in round 2, keep an eye out.
Bodhi Uwland (GC) $123,900 DEF-MID — 59 points
The loophole legend from last year was thrown a surprise debut due to the Suns’ injury crisis in defence and looked very solid, winning 20 disposals, nine intercepts and even taking some kick-ins. His DPP status is very appealing but my query is his short-term job security with the likes of Lachie Weller and Wil Powell not far away.
CHOPPING BLOCK
Oskar Baker (WB) $123,900 MID — 43 points
We saw his ceiling in the pre-season but it was looking like dire straits at halftime when he registered just two disposals. Got better as the game went on and finished with a goal, but was it enough for him to hold his spot?
Anthony Caminiti (St K) $102,400 FWD – 34 points
Had a nice moment late and was part of an upset win on debut, but scored just 34 points. A slow burn rookie at base price who may be worth persisting with, but with Tim Membrey back in the side soon, keep an eye on his progress next week and make a call before round 3.
Fergus Greene (Haw) $123,900 FWD – 33 points
Probably can’t trust Greene with on-field honours after finishing with just six disposals. His scoring ground to a halt after his stellar finish for his first goal as a Hawk, but his strong pre-season scores suggests he is worth persisting with for at least another week.
Campbell Chesser (WCE) $123,900 DEF-MID – 20 points
Was surprised by Chesser lowly score, given he had a role across half-back and had impressed in the pre-season. Will be better for the run and the Eagles have no choice to persist with their youngsters.
Ben King (GC) $176,300 FWD – 19 points
Yuck. Have been hot on King this pre-season as a rookie punt and he duly stunk it up with 19 points up north. The Swans game was always going to be tough, so I’m giving him another chance against a weak Essendon backline, where he could kick a bag. But if you don’t have Sheezel and need to make other moves before round 3, by all means trade.
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