SuperCoach 2025: Practice match scouting notes
Rookie bolters, role changes and injury disaster. See full expert scouting notes from every practice match and the names to add – and avoid – in your SuperCoach team.
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The clock is ticking to the start of the 2025 season, and pre-season is hotting up.
Over the past nine days clubs have played eight unofficial practice matches plus a series of intraclub hitouts and the Indigenous All-Stars game.
Games against real opposition provide key intel when selecting our SuperCoach sides as we get an insight into who is a real chance to play in round 1 – and who might miss out.
Here are all the names you need to know.
ST KILDA v CARLTON
A Saints side missing a host of injured stars – including Rowan Marshall, Jack Sinclair, Max King and Mattaes Phillipou – scored a gutsy win over the almost full-strength Blues (minus Sam Walsh and Charlie Curnow) on Saturday morning.
Jack Macrae | $392,200 | FWD – LOCK
Played the whole game in the midfield – tick. One of the biggest no-brainer starting selections in SuperCoach 2025.
Liam O’Connell | $119,900 | DEF – ROOKIE WATCH
Irishman bolted into round 1 contention with a two-goal display off a wing. We need rookie defenders so hopefully he backs it up in the AAMI Series.
Hugh Boxshall | $113,500 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Another Saints rookie to come from the clouds, he was handed plenty of centre square minutes in the absence of first-choice players who could be back for the start of the season. But another big showing in the community series would be hard for Ross Lyon to ignore.
Hugo Garcia | $245,800 | MID-FWD
Tackle machine showed he can score in cameos last year, but he needs a regular midfield role to be worth considering. After a big pre-season he got exactly that against the Blues, ranking behind only Jack Steele and Macrae for centre bounces. Lots to like about his prospects this year.
Hugo 💪 pic.twitter.com/Fj5wGPsll7
— Al Paton (@al_superfooty) February 22, 2025
Harry Boyd | $99,100 | RUC
Played well in the ruck but the big questions are (a) will Marshall be back for round 1 (probably); and (b) what does Lyon do with Boyd then? Cheap bench option at least but I would be very nervous starting him on field.
Angus Hastie | $119,900 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Five games in 2024 for an average of 20 SuperCoach points don’t scream ‘pick me’, but Leigh Montagna tipped us off to his superb pre-season, and he backed it up in his first full practice game. Another Saints cheapie to put on the watch list.
Tobie Travaglia | $172,000 | DEF – ALARM BELLS
One of the most popular picks in SuperCoach, currently sitting in 51 per cent of teams – is under a huge cloud after only coming into the game in the final term. He kicked a beautiful long goal to highlight his talent but he might not be the obvious starter we all thought he was.
Tobie Travaglia kicks the sealer!
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) February 22, 2025
🎥 @FOXFOOTY / @kayosportspic.twitter.com/JuXixWQWop
Jagga Smith | $194,500 | MID – INJURY WATCH
Nightmare result for Carlton fans and the No.3 draft pick, who is set to miss the entire season after suffering a serious knee injury. Was is 65 per cent of SuperCoach teams heading into the weekend, so changes will be required.
Ollie Hollands | $333,300 | MID
The young wingman has a new position as a half-back flanker, and he collected plenty of the footy. His disposal remains a question mark, along with his awkward SuperCoach price, especially in a crowded midfield. Very nice role, though.
Tom De Koning | $547,100 | RUC – ALARM BELLS
More than 30,000 coaches are banking on TDK repeating his insane scoring run when he played as Carlton’s solo ruckman midway through 2024. But he lined up as a key forward against the Saints, with Marc Pittonet in the ruck.
UPDATE: Pittonet has reportedly suffered a calf injury that could rule him out for the opening rounds, putting TDK right back in the SuperCoach mix.
MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
North picked its best team and matched the Dees early but couldn’t go with them in the second half at a sweltering Arden St on Saturday. Melbourne rested Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Christian Salem and Ed Langdon.
Clayton Oliver | $451,600 | MID – LOCK
He was awesome. “Obviously last year he was dealing with a fair bit away from the game,” assistant coach Troy Chaplin said. “We didn’t get to see him until probably this time last year, To have a whole summer working closely with his teammates, staff, we’ve put our arms around him and tried to get the best version of Clayton Oliver. We started to see that today.” Just pick him.
Harry Sheezel | $635,600 | DEF
Played as a mid-forward and was very good. He’s a gun, wherever he plays.
Harvey Langford | $181,000 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Midfield bull spent time in the middle and across half-forward. The No.6 draft pick is a strong chance to start in round 1, but he might have to bide his time outside the centre square which could limit his scoring opportunities.
Xavier Lindsay | $158,500 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Melbourne’s other first-round draft pick played on a wing and did some nice things. He’s on the watch list but we might have some cheaper bench options.
Trent Rivers | $462,900 | DEF-MID
Attended the most centre bounces for the Demons, cementing a mid-season move from defence last year. Put up some solid scores in that role, and looked good on Saturday, but how will he go when Jack Viney and Christian Petracca return?
Harry Sharp | $189,100 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Another close to $200k midfield rookie we didn’t know we needed. Former Lion is best known for dominating pre-season time-trials but he showed he has a lot more tricks with a four-goal display. Add him to the community series watch list.
Tristan Xerri | $645,900 | RUC
Had a good battle with Tom Campbell in Gawn’s absence. Didn’t dominate but doesn’t have to at this time of year. Was rested in the last quarter along with Luke Davies-Uniacke. Pick both with confidence.
Caleb Daniel | $269,100 | FWD-MID – LOCK
Killed it at half-back like we all know he will this year, including booting his first goal as a Kangaroo. Could be one of the topscoring forwards at an absolute bargain price.
Colby McKercher | $476,900 | DEF
We loved his distribution from half-back in his debut season. This year he’ll be playing a mix of wing, half-forward and on ball, if this practice match is a guide. There are fewer easy kicks there but the ones he gets will be a lot more valuable.
Finn O’Sullivan | $199,000 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Alastair Clarkson loves to ease his gun draftees into the top level at half-back (Sheezel, McKercher) and ‘FOS’ will be on the outside, too, although probably more on the wing, which is less friendly for SuperCoach scoring. Looks a certain starter for round 1 which is a big positive.
ADELAIDE v PORT ADELAIDE
The Crows claimed pre-season SA bragging rights with a 24-point win in a game played over six periods on Friday at Mount Barker.
Jordan Dawson | $550,300 | MID
A standout performance playing almost exclusively in the midfield, a big win after he was moved around a lot last season. But we still haven’t seen the Crows’ full onball contingent including Izak Rankine, who sat this one out. I expect Dawson to outperform his price, but it might come down to picking him or Jason Horne-Francis, who is a similar price.
Jason Horne-Francis | $537,000 | FWD-MID
Continued his great form from the Indigenous All-Stars game and, crucially, appeared to move ahead of Ollie Wines and Willem Drew in the Power’s centre bounce pecking order. That almost seals the deal on the fourth-year phenom.
James Peatling | $352,800 | MID
Won the first centre clearance of the game and hit up Taylor Walker for the opening goal of the game. Was No.4 for centre bounces at the Crows, spending plenty of time at half-forward, but still found ways to get involved in the play and looks great value at his price.
James Peatling (3 Qtrs)
— Woodzyyy (@Woodzyyyyy____) February 22, 2025
13 Kicks
4 Handballs
17 Disposals
82.3% Disposal efficiency
2 Tackles
6 Marks
1 Free For
1 Behind
3 Inside 50s
75 AFL Fantasy pic.twitter.com/OYb2f3ZUfL
Dan Curtin | $158,600 | FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Has played all over the ground in his short career and appeared to be used as a wingman against the Power. That’s not ideal but he seems locked in the best 23 and provides another strong forward rookie option.
Jake Soligo | $447,900 | MID
Best on ground as he gathered the ball at will in the midfield. But it would take a brave coach to pick him – so far 1.9 per cent are taking the punt.
Sid Draper | $190,000 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Had some nice moments but still not clear on his spot in the midfield rotation - there are plenty of names ahead of him. A pass for me at this stage.
Sam Powell-Pepper | $180,500 | FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Starts at an elevated rookie price but solid scoring and job security could make it worthwhile. Return from an ACL is on track, but with so many cheap forwards around, will we need him?
SYDNEY v GWS GIANTS
Joel Amartey kicked six goals as the Swans romped to a 57-point win at Tramway Oval on Friday. The Swans were without callum Mills, Tom Paple and Harry Cunningham, while Jake Stringer (illness) was out for GWS.
Callum Mills | $357,200 | DEF – ALARM BELLS
Was rested with “some plantar fasciitis pain”, which is not what we want to hear on the eve of the season for one of this year’s best bargain picks. A test to play in the community series.
Isaac Heeney | $629,200 | MID
SuperCoach ownership has fallen off a cliff (3.9 per cent) this year after he was classified as MID only, but suggestions he could play forward in 2025 seem unfounded. Expect more big scores – could be a huge point of difference.
Matt Roberts | $434,800 DEF
Assumed the half-back role he dominated in the back end of last season (averaging 111 over the final seven rounds) but took only one kick-in. No alarm bells yet but keep an eye on him.
Angus Sheldrick | $161,700 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Another potential pricey midfield rookie we can pick if Dean Cox likes him in the best 22. Pre-season signs are positive so far.
Cody Angove | $113,500 | MID-FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Pick 24 in last year’s draft was the best of the Giants cheapies hoping for a round 1 spot, including two first-quarter goals. “He was really impressive,” GWS assistant Jeremy Laidler said. “We’ve loved his progress over the pre-season and he’s doing everything right to put his name in the ring.” Price and DPP are ideal for a final midfield bench spot.
James Leake | $119,900 | DEF – ROOKIE WATCH
His SuperCoach stocks have risen in recent weeks as a potential rookie saviour in defence but in this game he didn’t get on the ground until the final quarter. We might have to look elsewhere.
Conor Stone | $119,900 | FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Available as a forward in SuperCoach, he has been training as a defender over pre-season and lined up there against the Swans. No shortage of forward rookies this year but the 22-year-old is on the list.
Ben Paton | $133,400 | DEF-FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Might not be the biggest scorer but the former Saint could be a safe bench option if we need one at either end as he locks down a spot in the back pocket for the Swans.
GOLD COAST v BRISBANE v COLLINGWOOD
Three-way six quarter contest with each team playing the others for two quarters each, and lots of player turnover between mini games – so take results here with a grain of salt. But there were some performances of note.
Harry Perryman | $417,500 | DEF
Former Giant played as a full-time midfielder for the Pies, exactly the role SuperCoaches wanted to see. He has averaged in the 90s as a midfielder before but is priced in the 70s this year, which equals value.
Nick Daicos| $631,400 | MID
Plantar fasciitis talk scared many off over summer, but there were no signs of any injury as the Pies’ young superstar did as he pleased.
Dayne Zorko | $595,100 | DEF
Can you pick a 36-year-old with a history of dodgy hamstrings? When he averaged 110 last year and shows no signs of giving up that juicy SuperCoach role, why not?
Will Ashcroft | $441,200 | MID
Norm Smith medallist did nothing to dampen expectations he’s one of the best value options in SuperCoach. But there are a lot of mouths to feed in the Lions midfield.
Levi Ashcroft | $185,500 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Father-son draft gun, and little brother of Will, played the second two-quarter game for the Lions in his first hitout since shoulder surgery late last year. And he looked fantastic. Likely to spend a lot of time at half-forward but if he backs up this form in the AAMI Series, and Opening Round, he’ll be very hard to leave out.
Leo Lombard | $167,500 | MID – INJURY WATCH
Hurt his shoulder in a collision with Levi Ashcroft and looking at surgery which could rule him out for the start of the season.
Josh Daicos | $482,600 | MID
Has been moved to half-back, which should lead to a bump in scores. One word of caution – Dan Houston didn’t play in this game and isn’t available in opening round either, so we won’t see them together in the same time before round 1.
Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley
Just noting them here to say don’t forget about these elite SuperCoach players, like many did last year.
FREMANTLE INTRA CLUB
The Dockers played an internal trial game on Sunday, with Caleb Serong the star with four goals. Popular rookie Neil Erasmus played on the B team, but No.17 draft pick Murphy Reid pushed his case for a round 1 debut, lining up in A team and impressing as he split his time across the midfield and forward line.
WEST COAST v RICHMOND
A six goal to none second period (of three) saw the Eagles run away easy winners against a Tiger team that left home starters including Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Tom Lynch, Nick Vlastuin, Jayden Short, Toby Nankervis, Nathan Broad and draftee Josh Smillie. The Eagles were missing Harley Reid, Jeremy McGovern, Ryan Maric, Liam Ryan and Tim Kelly.
Sam Lalor | $203,500 | MID – INJURY WATCH
No.1 draft pick was a shining light for the Tigers, splitting his time between the midfield and forward line and booting two goals – until he suffered a fractured jaw in the final contest of the game. In serious doubt for round 1.
Jacob Blight | $246,400 | DEF
Won plenty of the ball in defence including several intercept marks, although his kicking let him down at times. Likely to play early with so many Tiger talls unavailable.
Elijah Hewett | $122,800 | MID-FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
High draft pick in 2022 didn’t play at all last year because of foot problems but looks ready to shine in 2025. Leading bench option who could score well enough to start on field.
Matt Flynn | $261,900 | RUC – ALARM BELLS
Fans of the cheap ruck would have been happy with his strong start, but he finished the game off the field with a sore back. Still no closer to knowing who the No.1 ruckman will be.
Jack Hutchinson | $233,500 | FWD
Picked up in the mid-season draft last year as a forward, Hutchinson has been transformed into a wingman with stints in the centre square - where he can score much better than his 48 average in seven matches in 2024. Ran hard to win the ball at both ends on Monday and looks a serious SuperCoach prospect - if you’re prepared to pay $100k more than most rookies.
GEELONG v HAWTHORN
The Cats kicked away late in an entertaining contest at GMHBA Stadium. Nick Watson (illness), Tom Barrass (wedding) and Massimo D’Ambrosio (concussion) were missing for the Hawks, while Cats absentees included Jack Martin, Toby Conway, Cam Guthrie and Lawson Humphries.
Max Holmes | $533,900 | MID-DEF
Chris Scott might have answered one of the big questions about the Cats in 2025 by playing Tom Stewart in defence and Holmes as a pure onballer, where he was arguably best on ground. Finished 2024 with scores of 121, 152 and 76 in a half and is ready to roar into 2025.
Bailey Smith | $389,200 | MID-FWD – LOCK
Geelong’s star recruit was everywhere early, with his rusty kicking the only negative before he sat out most of the second half.
James Sicily | $532,900 | DEF
Looked great in his favoured role down back, including taking kick-ins. That spells value at his starting price. The one big caveat – could Sicily be sent forward when Barrass is also part of the back six?
Will Day | $491,300 | MID
Looked a class above, showing why he averaged over 110 over a 10-game stretch last season. Played midfield but pushed forward to kick two goals and could have had more.
How good is it to have Will Day back out there! 🤩
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) February 17, 2025
Thanks to @kayosportspic.twitter.com/zBUa6AjDdL
Sam De Koning | $361,900 | DEF
Could you pick the De Koning double? Blue Tom is a popular ruck option and his brother Sam could score well in a similar role after getting plenty of ruck minutes against the Hawks. It’s a big gamble, though, with so many ruck options at Chris Scott’s disposal - on Monday De Koning, Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley all spent time there.
#AFLCatsHawks notes
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) February 17, 2025
-Smith can do it all, guts and forward
-Stewart in DEF but with some CBAs
-Neale a monster; ready for key role
-Sicily in DEF, good with Battle (no Barrass). Some FWD in Q4
-SDK/Blicavs preferred Cats rucks
Full report via @danbatten_: https://t.co/rfcXaR4cAppic.twitter.com/4Pbxkpydbt
Mitch Knevitt | $149,800 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Fourth-year midfielder seems certain to build on his 14 career games, attending the most centre bounces of any Cat against Hawthorn to back up a big summer on the track. He told the Geelong Advertiser’s Dan Batten two weeks ago he was primed for a big year in the midfield, with SuperCoaches in mind: “Hopefully I can make them (owners) a bit of cash.”
INDIGENOUS ALL-STARS v FREMANTLE
The All-Stars recorded a 43-point win in front of more than 37,000 fans in Perth. Note that this was the only game of the weekend with official stats and SuperCoach points from Champion Data.
JY SIMPKIN | $429,300 | FWD-MID
Add another mid-pricer to add the forward line conversation. The North Melbourne captain took home the Polly Farmer Medal as best on ground for 30 disposals, 10 clearances, a goal and a game-high 154 SuperCoach points. There’s a lot of competition for spots in the Roos engine room, though.
JASON HORNE-FRANCIS | $537,000 | FWD-MID
Was explosive early and finished with 17 disposals, three goals, six tackles and 132 SuperCoach points, splitting his time between the midfield and forward line. He’s still not in my team but that decision is looking shakier by the minute.
CALEB SERONG | $623,400 | MID & ANDREW BRAYSHAW | $591,800 | MID
Freo’s two front-line mids found plenty of the footy and are both premium options this year. Pick with confidence.
NATHAN O’DRISCOLL | $198,000 | MID– ROOKIE WATCH
Last season was a write-off for the Dockers wingman but he’s another expensive midfield rookie we need to consider after recording 18 disposals, 10 marks, six tackles and 104 SuperCoach points.
The NOD secret is out... #SuperCoach 🤑
— Damo (@DamoSC) February 15, 2025
LIAM REIDY | $132,600 | RUC – ROOKIE WATCH
Took most of the centre bounces for Fremantle in the absence of Sean Darcy, whose injury timeline remains up in the air. Not a big scorer (he played the last two rounds last year for 53 and 29 SuperCoach points) but could be playing in round 1 which makes him a viable bench option.
ESSENDON v WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bombers scored a 19-point win over an experimental 35-man Dogs squad (missing Marcus Bontempelli, Rory Lobb, Taylor Duryea, James Harmes and Tom Liberatore, while Darcy Parish was out for the Dons) in Saturday’s practice match at a wet and windy Whitten Oval – and there were lots of players of interest.
ISAAC KAKO | $149,500 | MID-FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Looks a certainty to make his debut in Opening Round after another dynamic performance, continuing his form from recent match simulations. Small forwards can be up and down in their scoring, but the value of job security is can’t be underestimated. Set to be a favourite for Bomber fans and SuperCoaches.
Dons fans, here's a little taste of what Isaac Kako can do 👌
— AFL (@AFL) February 15, 2025
🎥: Kayo Sports/Fox Sports pic.twitter.com/RpDMuz4ESo
SAAD EL-HAWLI | $119,900 | DEF-MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Currently the most owned Essendon player in SuperCoach, featuring in 56 per cent of teams. Vying for a spot on a wing and was quiet with 12 disposals. Not locked in the best 23 just yet but fingers crossed.
ELIJAH TSTATAS | $191,200 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
Looks ready to explode after starting as the sub in five of his seven matches last year. The 20-year-old midfielder, who was taken at pick 5 in the 2022 draft, attended 86 per cent of centre bounces and while his disposal can be rusty, the role is exactly what we want from a SuperCoach cheapie. Currently owned by just under 20 per cent of coaches but that is about to skyrocket.
Elijah Tsatas (Full Game)
— Woodzyyy (@Woodzyyyyy____) February 15, 2025
10 kicks
21 Handballs
31 Disposals
4 Tackles
1 Mark
3 Free For
1 Free Against
4 Inside 50
1 Rebound 50
91 AFL Fantasy pic.twitter.com/K9iViAAO3l
DYLAN SHIEL | $413,700 | MID
Lined up at half-back, where he has been training all pre-season, and provided plenty of run and dash. A move to defence turned Nic Martin into a SuperCoach star, could Shiel do the same?
RYLEY SANDERS | $339,100 | FWD-MID
Breakout contender played in the centre square all game and starred – but both Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore sat the game out. We need to see his role with all the Dogs first-choice midfielders available, but the signs are positive.
TOM EDWARDS – ROOKIE WATCH
A player who is not yet on Essendon’s list grabbed the headlines after booting four goals in the second half. A 25-year-old hybrid forward from Swan Districts, Edwards is competing with Kaine Baldwin for an AFL lifeline. “He couldn’t have done much more, especially the way he came into the game – second-half, it can be a challenge to get into it,” Essendon assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa told the Herald Sun’s Ed Bourke. “A guy that takes their chances inside 50 when they get limited opportunities is a positive – they’re pretty hard to find. So I’m sure list management will go through that during the week and make a decision from there.” The best news for SuperCoaches – if he’s signed as a rookie, he’ll be priced at $99,100.
Some #AFLDogsDons CBAs
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) February 15, 2025
Tsatas: 86.4%
Sanders: 72.7%
Hobbs & Caldwell: 63.6%
Also in 1/2 games
Richards/Brew: 81.8% 1/2 each
Kennedy/Hynes: 63.6% 1/2 each
Ruck split
Bryan & Crossley (59.1%)
Draper & English (40.9%)
Full report w CBAs via @edbourke6: https://t.co/TlStzWb6Vkpic.twitter.com/OhIvC1NM0A
JOEL FREIJAH | $370,400 | DEF
Arguably best on ground at half-back, is he the mid-price bolter we need in defence? Add him to the watch list.
SAM DAVIDSON | $113,500 | FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Didn’t dominate on Saturday but the 23-year-old athletic forward – who is already on the Dogs’ list after being recruited from Richmond’s VFL side in last year’s draft – looks right in the frame for a round 1 debut. Stick him on your bench for now.
Just trying to put yesterday's quarter by quarter notes in a thread so easier to access. #supercoach@SuperCoach@Nerds4lifeSC@SCHorse_@SuperCoach_Hub Essendon âš«ï¸ðŸ”´ V Western Bulldogs🔴⚪ï¸ðŸ”µ praccy match 🧵 pic.twitter.com/HGumqbFxiC
— Supercoach (YEAH NA CHEERS) (@NaCheers) February 15, 2025
NORTH MELBOURNE INTRA-CLUB
It was a stronger Blue team versus the Pink team at Arden St on Saturday. Notable absentees included George Wardlaw (hamstring), Zac Fisher (hamstring), Callum Coleman-Jones (Achilles), Josh Goater (Achilles) and Brayden George (knee), while Jy Simpkin was on Indigenous All-Stars duties.
HARRY SHEEZEL | $635,600 | DEF
Best on ground. Set to play in the midfield and even spend more time in the forward line in 2025, but don’t let that deter you – the guy is a gun.
CALEB DANIEL | $269,100 | FWD-MID
The biggest steal of SuperCoach 2025 cemented that status as he mopped up everything across half-back, one of the best scoring roles in fantasy. Currently in 69 per cent of teams and should be in 100 per cent.
COLBY McKERCHER | $476,900 | DEF
Sheezel 2.0? The No.2 draft pick started his AFL career in defence – like Harry – but is set to move up the ground in season two. He won’t get as many easy points from kick-ins but the elite left-foot kick looked super damaging playing across a wing and half-forward on Saturday morning. Keep him in mind.
LUKE PARKER | $343,600 | MID-FWD
Who needs another forward mid-pricer? Some may have been expecting the veteran to play mostly as a forward at the Roos but he was at the coalface on Saturday, where he has been spending most of his time in pre-season. We know he can score in that role, averaging 95-plus for a decade at the Swans.
TRISTAN XERRI | $645,900 | RUC
Played in the ruck for the A team and didn’t get injured before being rested for much of the second half, which is about all we need to see from a known SuperCoach stud.
TOM POWELL | $432,000 | MID
Burnt some coaches last year but is this the season he breaks out as a full-time mid, replicating his enormous junior numbers? He was part of the starting on-ball brigade for the A team on Saturday and has produced a faultless pre-season. Price is very awkward, though.
JACOB KONSTANTY | $119,900 | FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Pressure forward joined the Roos as part of the Luke Parker trade, and started in the preferred forward line but didn’t see a lot of the ball. He might be battling for a spot with Robert Hanson Jr ($165,700 FWD), who booted two goals in a similar role.
ADELAIDE INTRACLUB
The Crows played an internal trial on Friday, with the A team leading by 79 points at halftime before the teams were switched up for the second half.
JORDAN DAWSON | $550,300 | MID
After being used in different roles last season, the skipper played almost exclusively as a centre bounce midfielder – a good sign for coaches eyeing an underpriced premium who averaged 116 in 2023.
JAMES PEATLING | $352,800 | MID
Ex-Giant appears to have overtaken Matt Crouch in the midfield mix, spending most of the game on ball alongside Dawson. Great mid-price option.
Notes for Crows intra (half 1)
— Jords FTTV (@JordsFTTV) February 14, 2025
- Dawson mainly mid, short wing stint
- Peatling mainly mid, average disposal
- Soligo mostly wing, some cbas
- Draper A's impressive, using his pace
- Milera/Cumming switched Wing/HB
- Curtin brilliant, taken plenty marks
- McAndrew beating ROB
SID DRAPER | $190,000 | MID – ROOKIE WATCH
The Crows’ top draft pick has been held back at times over pre-season but he was unleashed in the midfield for the A team on Friday after starting on the bench. But there was no Izak Rankine, who was in Perth for the Indigenous All-Stars game. Does he take Draper’s spot?
DAN CURTIN | $158,600 | FWD – ROOKIE WATCH
Adelaide’s top draft pick from 2023 played as a key defender in limited appearances in his first season, but now appears settled in the best 22 as a tall forward. Another forward rookie who should be on the radar.
2025 @Adelaide_FC Internal Trial
— Vardy Magic (@VardyMagic) February 14, 2025
Sid Draper: clean hands, low to the ground at high speed, kicks a goal on his non-preferred
Good.#weflyasone
🇷🇴ðŸ˜ðŸ‡·ðŸ‡´ pic.twitter.com/1Fi9EHSPIg
ISAAC CUMMING | $287,700 | MID
Another former Giant who joined the Crows in the trade period, sparking hopes from some SuperCoaches he would return to the half-back role where he averaged 90-plus in 2021-22 before injuries struck. But he was on a wing on Friday, a role that is much more volatile for SuperCoach scoring.
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Originally published as SuperCoach 2025: Practice match scouting notes
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