KFC SuperCoach 2023: The Phantom’s rookie rankings in every position
You might know all of the names, but who are the best KFC SuperCoach rookie picks? The Phantom ranks the top cheapies in every position.
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The key to success in KFC SuperCoach is nailing your rookie-price selections.
To help you start sorting the good from the bad, I’ve ranked the best cheapies in every position — with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.
Here are my latest rankings ahead of the full Round 1 teams.
For full profiles, check out the 2023 Rookie Bible here.
DEFENDERS
1. Charlie Constable
GC, $123,900, Mid
SC Ave 2022: 110 (VFL)
Practice match score: 73
Numbers have never been a problem for Constable. He’s put up huge numbers in the VFL for both Gold Coast and Geelong – even his numbers during a brief stint in the Cats’ senior side were impressive. But he’s been unable to lock down a regular AFL spot – until now. The 23-year-old moved to defence in the back half of last season and proved his ball-winning translates to a new position, averaging seven rebound-50s, six intercepts, 114 SuperCoach points, and taking six intercept marks, in the final six games of the season. He took kick-ins and had 42 disposals and nine clearances in the preliminary final loss and proved a reliable outlet from defence. With Lachie Weller and Wil Powell still working their way back from injury, Constable started in the back-six in both pre-season matches and tallied 19 disposals, 424 metres gained and 73 points against the Giants.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: At the price, with his proven ball-winning ability, and the way the Suns looked for him coming out of defence during the pre-season, you have to pick him.
2. Reuben Ginbey
WC, $171,300, Mid
SC Ave 2022: 93 (U18 Champs)
Practice match score: 99
Expensive, but, after what he did in the practice match against the Crows, Ginbey is a rookie lock. The 18-year-old is built like a brick you-know-what and arrived at the Eagles with senior WAFL experience under his belt. Ginbey, who averaged 93 KFC SuperCoach points and won 46 per cent of his possession in a contest at the under-18 championships, has impressed on the track all summer, where has been swapping with Elliot Yeo between the midfield and half-back. This versatility, with Ginbey playing a lot of junior football in defence before starring on-ball last year, is another big tick for his debut-season prospects.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: As predicted, Ginbey featured in the midfield and across half-back against the Crows after overcoming a toe complaint. And, boy, was he good. Registered team-highs in contested possessions and clearances in just 56 per cent game-time, and is only at No. 2 because of the price.
3. Lachie Cowan
Carl, $117,300
SC Ave 2022: 141 (NAB League)
Practice match score: 57
Zac Williams’ season-ending injury – and Oleg Markov signing with Collingwood – may have just opened the door for one of the best KFC SuperCoach scorers of last year’s draft to play in Round 1. Cowan averaged 27 disposals – 20 of them kicks – eight intercepts, eight rebound-50s and 141 points in the NAB League last year – third behind Will Ashcroft and Elijah Tsatas. Cowan’s strength is his run-and-carry, but he also makes good decisions with the ball in hand. “We’ve got a young kid in Lachie Cowan who was drafted at the end of last year who is very exciting,” star defender Jacob Weitering said on SEN when talking about who could fill the hole left by Williams.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict:Won the battle against Cincotta for Williams’ spot and, given his junior scoring and the Blues’ need for run, he should be on everyone’s bench – with the E – at least.
4. Darcy Wilmot
Bris, $123,900
SC Ave 2022: 83 (VFL)
Practice match score: 52
Wilmot impressed on the big stage last season after replacing Noah Answerth for the qualifying final, posting scores of 52, 61 and 73 in the first three games of his career. Importantly, he proved his worth up higher on a wing, too. Given those appearances weren’t in the home-and-away season, he keeps his $123k price tag for 2023, in a big win for KFC SuperCoaches. Conor McKenna might have locked in a spot across half-back, but Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, again, used Wilmot on a wing, and the second-year Lion is set to start there in 2023.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Bench lock for me – $123k rookies who scored 73 in their last game are rare. Wilmot was the youngest player drafted in 2021, so another pre-season is huge for his development.
5. Campbell Chesser
WC, $123,900, Mid
SC Ave 2022: 83 (U18 Champs)
Practice match score: 57
West Coast’s top pick from the 2021 draft has taken significant recent strides as he builds towards a Round 1 debut, despite the club managing his workload over summer. Chesser kicked two from a wing in the internal trial before finishing with nine disposals and 34 points against the Crows, in a role that also featured three centre bounce attendances.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict:He’s in! And given how much the Eagles want to expose him and use is run and kicking skills - along with his dual-position status – Chesser comes into the top five at the expense of Conor McKenna. With Cincotta not playing, Chesser on your midfield bench might be the way to go.
NEXT IN LINE
Conor McKenna
Bris, $167,500
SC Ave 2020: 61 (Essendon)
Practice match score: 53
In the year before he retired to head back to Ireland, McKenna averaged 80 KFC SuperCoach points in 21 games for the Bombers. The season before that in 2018, it was 74 in 18 games. Those sort of numbers should price him at more than $400k. But after his two-year absence from the AFL, the 26-year-old, who has 79 games to his name, is available for less than $200k.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Will start in defence, but the Lions have plenty of ball-winners in the back-half. So is he worth the extra $40k? That’s the question that’s hard to answer at the moment.
Others to watch: Tom Cole, Max Michalanney, Judd McVee
MIDFIELDERS
1. Will Ashcroft
Bris, $202,800
SC Ave 2022: 159 (NAB League)
Practice match score: 96
In his 21 games last year, across the VFL, NAB League and national under-18 carnival, Ashcroft tallied 140 KFC SuperCoach points in 16 of them. The father-son gun, who is as ready-to-go as any top draftee in recent years – and that includes Nick Daicos, Sam Walsh and Matt Rowell – averaged 34 disposals and 159 points for Sandringham at under-18 level and posted scores of 119, 126, 146 in three dominant VFL performances for the Lions.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict:From what we’ve seen over the pre-season, Ashcroft, who tallied 26 disposals and 96 points against the Cats, could even out-do Walsh’s 87-point debut season average. Forget the price-tag, just pick him.
2. Oskar Baker
WB, $123,900
SC Ave 2022: 91 (VFL)
Practice match score: 111
This time last year, we were talking about who would address the Bulldogs’ need for run on wing – it’s why KFC SuperCoaches were hopeful now-delisted mature-ager Charlie Parker was a chance. And that was with Lachie Hunter in the side. Hunter is now at Melbourne, the former home of Baker, who couldn’t break through into the senior team last year, despite consistent form on a wing in the VFL. The 24-year-old posted seven KFC SuperCoach tons and averaged 21 disposals, five marks, five score involvements, four inside 50s, four intercepts and 91 points in 20 matches. More importantly, he’s featured prominently on a wing over summer and we know Luke Beveridge loves a role player
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: The Bulldogs have admitted the plan wasn’t to give Baker such an extended run against the Roos, but early injuries forced their hand. And Baker took the opportunity and ran, booting the first goal on his way to 22 disposals, eight marks and 111 points. We needed a solid midfield bench option with a few early favourites falling away, too. moves in to second spot after Will Phillips was left out of the Roos side.
3. Cam Mackenzie
Haw, $180,300
SC Ave 2022: 108 (U18 champs)
Practice match score: 99
Played multiple midfield roles in a standout draft year, which ended with a huge 26-disposal, two-goal, 170-point performance in the NAB League grand final. And he’s carried the impressive form into his first pre-season, with the Hawks loving what he’s done over summer. Mackenzie has class, toughness and makes great decisions with the ball – and all his strengths were on show during an impressive practice match performance against the Pies. The teenager attended 19 centre bounces and finished with 26 disposals and 99 KFC SuperCoach points in 73 per cent game-time.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: The price has long been a concern, but his pre-season form – and likely role – is now hard to ignore. I can’t fit him in alongside Ashcroft, Phillips – and Sam Flanders – but I’m all for starting the young Hawk.
4. Alwyn Davey
Ess, $117,300, Fwd
SC Ave 2022: 89 (NAB League)
Practice match score: 67
The Bombers needed another game-changer heading into last year’s draft and – via the father-son rule – one landed in their lap in Davey. The 19-year-old is clean, has plenty of class and doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have an impact as he’s proven already in his short time on Essendon’s list. After hitting the scoreboard in the unofficial practice match, Davey kicked the first goal against the Saints and was one of the shining lights for the Bombers, finishing with 13 disposals, six contested possessions and 67 points.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: The very clever Noah Long has come with a bullet, but Davey still looks the best basement-price dual-position rookie to start on your midfield bench. There’s likely to be some lows, but all he needs is one or two highs to do the job at the price.
5. Oliver Hollands
Carl, $162,500
SC Ave 2022: 114 (Under-18 Champs)
Practice match score: 59
After an impressive pre-season, which he capped off with 17 disposals and 59 points against the Swans, the Blues’ top pick is right in the Round 1 mix. Hollands’ endurance is unmatched in last year’s draft class and that enormous workrate, together with clean skills, could see him score well in KFC SuperCoach from the outset.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Will play on Thursday night but can you pick him as higher-price mid rookie instead of – or even alongside – Ashcroft, Phillips and now Mackenzie? I won’t be. But consider as a point-of-difference.
NEXT IN LINE
Jack Bytel
StK, $158,600
SC Ave 2022: 112 (VFL)
Practice match score: 75
After finishing with a huge 17 contested possessions, 12 clearances, 12 tackles and 184 points in his final VFL game last year, Bytel has been on the watchlist all pre-season. But the question was – and still is – can he force his way past a few similar-type midfielders at the Saints? When Marcus Windhager went off injured early against the Bombers, Bytel stepped off the bench and straight into the centre bounce mix, tallying 16 disposals, nine contested possessions, seven tackles and 75 points – while also putting some work into Darcy Parish – in 60 per cent game-time.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: If Bytel is named alongside Windhager, he’s likely to rise up this list. And I might get on. But we won’t know until the squad is trimmed on Friday.
Will Phillips
NM, $158,300
SC Ave 2022: DNP
Practice match score: 48
Last year was a write-off for the young Kangaroos midfielder, who battled glandular fever and didn’t play one game. But that means a discounted KFC SuperCoach price tag for the player who was taken at pick 3 in the 2020 draft – one who has enjoyed a blistering pre-season. Phillips averaged 22 disposals and 103 KFC SuperCoach in his bottom-age NAB League year, playing behind Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson at Oakleigh. And, while he struggled to really find his feet in his debut season of 2021, there were enough signs. The tough, clean on-baller won 40 per cent of his possession in a contest during his first year at the top level, and recorded eight contested possessions or more in three of his final six matches, resulting in KFC SuperCoach scores of 72, 55 and 67.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Talk about a spanner. Phillips was named emergency on Thursday night, ruling him out of our KFC SuperCoach starting teams.
Noah Long
WC, $117,300, Fwd
SC Ave 2022: 90 (NAB League)
Practice match SC score: DNP
The Eagles really are back in KFC SuperCoach, with Long confirmed as a surprise Round 1 debutant alongside Chesser and Ginbey on Tuesday. His role might not be as KFC SuperCoach-friendly as those two, but the teenager is very clever around goal and terrific at ground level
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Could surprise a few with his footy smarts, but just might not be as high in the pecking order as Davey is at the Bombers.
Others to watch for: Bodhi Uwland, Liam Henry
RUCKS
1. Esava Ratugolea
Geel, $174,000, Fwd
2022 SC Ave: 39
Practice match score: 49
The Cats, despite Ratugolea playing just four senior games during an injury-riddled 2022, didn’t want to let him go in the trade period and his late-season form in defence was a big reason why. After kicking goals, and pinch-hitting in the ruck on his return from injury, the 24-year-old took 10 intercept marks, among 22 total intercept possession, in the final two VFL matches of the year, playing in defence. He scored 86 KFC SuperCoach points in both games and has trained as a defender all summer. Ratugolea as a defender who can pinch-hit, if needed, in the ruck would give Chris Scott’s side yet another layer. But can you pick him in KFC SuperCoach?
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: It’s fair to say Ratugolea’s three intercept marks in the opening term of the first practice match turned the rookie conversation on its head. He was a little quieter against the Lions, but with Jack Henry injured, the role in defence is his. I’d love to pick him at R2, but F6 is probably a little more realistic, if at all.
2. Nick Madden
GWS $102,400, Fwd
2022 SC Ave: 112 (NAB League)
Practice match score: DNP
A 112-point average in the NAB League means there’s hope for the future but, as the only $102k ruck-forward option, Madden is the man for the R3 loophole in 2023. He’s unlikely to feature this year – at least not early given his foot injury – and in the first 13 rounds, the Giants play eight times on Sunday and once on Saturday night.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: At this point, there’s no Jack Hayes-like R3 option who is going to score 100 in the opening round. So, like in previous years, you’re giving up less by playing a zero on your ruck line. Why a zero? It allows you two shots at a big captain score using the vice-captain loophole.
3. Brynn Teakle
Port $198,500
2022 SC Ave: 48
Practice match score: 8
Came from nowhere to debut in Round 14 last year, after being taken in the mid-season draft. Scored 30 KFC SuperCoach points and took a big mark, before being injured in the second term. The 22-year-old who “has been pushing” Scott Lycett on the track this summer was back in the senior side in Round 21, and tallied 12 disposals, 19 hitouts, eight tackles and 66 KFC SuperCoach points. Teakle has plenty of things to improve in his game – as coach Ken Hinkley mentioned late last year – but there’s plenty to work with.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Started in Port’s stronger side for the internal trial, before featuring alongside Lycett in some capacity in both practice matches. Lycett was beaten convincingly by Sean Darcy in the final game, and Jeremy Finlayson is still sidelined, so there could be a bit to play out there.
4. Ned Moyle
GC $123,900
2022 SC Ave: 111 (VFL)
Practice match score: DNP
Jarrod Witts is the man in the ruck on the Gold Coast, and his monopoly on the role is what makes him a great KFC SuperCoach scorer. But what if he goes down? We don’t wish injury on anyone but the fact is, Moyle is the next man up at the Suns. And he has plenty of KFC SuperCoach scoring potential. In 21 VFL matches last year, Moyle averaged 14 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 12 hitouts-to-advantage, five clearances and 111 points. He posted 14 KFC SuperCoach tons, including three scores of 150 or more, to be named the ruckman in the VFL team of the year.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict:The 20-year-old looks ready to go. If it’s not this year, there’s no doubt Moyle’s name will pop up in KFC SuperCoach again very soon.
5. Liam Reidy
Freo, $102,400
2022 SC Ave: 76 (VFL)
Practice match score: DNP
In Round 21 in the VFL last year – his first full year in the system after playing basketball and local footy – Reidy tallied 17 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 10 hitouts-to-advantage, eight tackles, three goals and 174 KFC SuperCoach points. The Dockers have just welcomed Luke Jackson into their ruck setup but, at 22, and standing 204cm and 102kg, Reidy – who can also play as a marking forward – is physically ready if called-upon.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Another we might not see this year – but take note just in case we do.
FORWARDS
1. Fergus Greene
(Haw, $123,900)
2022 SC Ave: 91 (VFL)
Practice match score: 84
Jack Gunston is gone and Mitch Lewis is injured, so the Hawks need a forward to step up. And, in a huge win for KFC SuperCoaches, it looks like the mature-age recruit could be the one to do so. Greene, who played five matches for the Bulldogs in 2018, continued his impressive pre-season form, booting two goals in the club’s recent internal trial. The 25-year-old was signed as a delisted free agent after kicking 53.21 and averaging 91 KFC SuperCoach points for Box Hill in 17 VFL games last year.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: After booting 3.2 against the Magpies, Greene is a bench lock in KFC SuperCoach. Might not be the highest scorer on this list, but will make some early cash.
3. Harry Sheezel
(NM, $198,300)
2022 SC Ave: 136
Practice match score: 72
Just about the most skilful player drafted last year, Sheezel can just do things others can’t. He dominated NAB League games as a forward, and opposition teams struggled to lay a hand on him when he was in the midfield. The early consensus was the talented teenager, who recorded three KFC SuperCoach double tons in 2022, would be used as a permanent forward in his debut season, but he impressed at half-back at various stages of both practice matches, tallying 10 disposals playing in defence in the last quarter alone against the Bulldogs. Assistant coach Leigh Adams compared Sheezel’s potential role across half-back to the way Nick Daicos was used last season and said it would be ‘Clarko’s call’.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: $198k is a lot to pay for a small-forward in his first season. But Sheezel is much more than that - even without the looming role in defence, which could help raise his scoring floor in KFC SuperCoach. Want him, but can’t quite afford him - yet. I keep thinking about what the similarly-freakishly-skilled Connor Rozee – who played in defence during his draft year – did in his debut season to average 77 points
3. Luke Pedlar
(Adel, $173,400)
2022 SC Ave: 72 (2022)
Practice match score: 56
Pedlar is flying this summer – and that’s from those in the know. He’s only played three matches in two years on the list, but he finally looks set to make his mark in 2023. After booting seven goals in the Crows’ final three SANFL matches last season, Pedlar has been a regular in attack over summer, with Adelaide set to add the 20-year-old’s explosiveness and penetrating left foot to a new-look forward-half this year. In the club’s qualifying final win over Norwood in the state league, Pedlar finished with three goals, eight tackles and 88 KFC SuperCoach points. A week earlier, he tallied 16 disposals, 10 score involvements and 115 SuperCoach points against Port.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict:He tackles, marks above his head, kicks long goals and can work up the ground and win the ball in space – Pedlar has the tools to score better than the average small-forward in KFC SuperCoach. Had 10 disposals and 56 points in just 55 per cent game-time against the Eagles and he’s likely to be given every opportunity to make his mark this year – Adelaide needs his speed and power. Unlikely to be a better player than the kid below, but he could be a more consistent scorer in 2023.
4. Mattaes Phillipou
(StK, $166,800, Mid)
2022 SC Ave: 144 (SANFL U18s)
Practice match score: 45
Phillipou, pick 10 in last year’s draft, was a KFC SuperCoach star as a junior, recording scores of 261, 215, 180, 178, 175, 166, 157, 156, 147, 144 and 141 in his two seasons playing SANFL under-18s. He models his game on Marcus Bontempelli, and he has the KFC SuperCoach scoring-ceiling to match. His future is as a dynamic midfielder, who kicks goals, but, as he proved in the practice matches, his aerial prowess, clean hands and general footy smarts have him ready to start inside-50 in Round 1.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: Not far off being No. 4 – or higher – on this list after an impressive pre-season. Ross loves him but will he stay too close to goal? Named on the extended bench for Sunday’s game - so fingers crossed.
5. Jye Menzie
(Ess, $154,200)
2022 SC Ave: 40 (2 games)
Practice match score: 62
After being overlooked in the 2021 draft, the talented small-forward moved across to the SANFL and booted 20 goals in his first eight games for South Adelaide. The Bombers then swooped in last year’s mid-season draft and Menzie kicked another 13 in eight VFL matches. The 20-year-old broke through for two senior appearances late in 2022, kicking one major and finishing with 49 points against the Tigers in the final round. The clever goalsneak booted three intra-club goals playing in the stronger Bombers team to continue an eye-catching pre-season.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict:Menzie has plenty of tricks and is another who’s right in the KFC SuperCoach frame. Didn’t kick a major against the Saints but still finished with 62 points, on the back of an equal-game-high six tackles. Moves into the top-five after Toby McLean was named emergency for the Bulldogs.
NEXT IN LINE
Toby McLean
(WB, $178,900, Mid)
2022 SC Ave: DNP
Practice match score: 45
In his first senior game in 426 days, McLean finished with 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, nine tackles and 100 KFC SuperCoach points in the Bulldogs’ elimination final loss to the Dockers. Before that, after building back up to speed after two ACL tears, McLean averaged 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 106 points in six VFL matches. Then there’s the 95-point averaged from 22 games in 2018. This season, he’s rookie-priced at an average of 30 in KFC SuperCoach.
Phantom’s March 16 verdict: The first half against the Roos was a concern, and the match as a whole confirmed his place outside of the Bulldogs’ on-ball unit. But I’m backing him in. The earlier verdict still stands – McLean doesn’t have to play as pure midfielder for you to pick him at the price.
Others to watch for: Sam Sturt, Ben King, Anthony Caminiti, Josh Bruce
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