SuperCoach: Early look at the cash cows to watch out for ahead of season 2020
Mature-age Bomber Mitch Hibberd has earned a second chance at the top level after dominating in the VFL for Williamstown. Can he become a SuperCoach success story in 2020?
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While last month’s draft didn’t receive the ‘super draft’ tag like in 2018, there are already cash cows presenting themselves.
One of them made history last September, while another was selected in that illustrious draft before the likes of Connor Rozee and Bailey Smith.
But one thing has remained the same – we have another No. 1 pick who is a SuperCoach lock.
Check out the full list of cash cows to watch out for during the pre-season.
SUPERCOACH TEAM PICKER: SELECT YOUR 2020 TEAM
Marlion Pickett ($123.9k, MID)
The 28-year-old has played just one game of footy but boy was it an impressive one. And fortunately for SuperCoaches his 96 SuperCoach points on Grand Final day aren’t factored into his starting price. Mature-age cash cows are gold in SuperCoach and Pickett’s state league form stacks up, averaging 101 points in 20 WAFL games in 2018.
Matt Rowell ($207.3k, MID)
Think Sam Walsh. Like the Blues young gun, Rowell dominated in all competitions during his under-18 years as he racked up footy at will. The No. 1 pick averaged a herculean 171 SuperCoach points in the NAB League, including a mammoth 266 point-display in Oakleigh Chargers’ Grand Final win. With the Suns lacking midfield stars, Rowell will slot straight in and will be well worth the expensive rookie price tag.
Izak Rankine ($123.9k, FWD)
The excitement machine failed to play a single game for the Suns in his debut season and the former No. 3 selection comes in at a major discount as a result. Rankine provides genuine X-factor as a mid-forward and many draft pundits said he was ready for AFL level during his under-18 year, when he was the No. 1 ranked player at the national championships. Lock him in your forward line.
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Mitch Hibberd ($114.4k, MID)
This man could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Bombers’ injury crisis. Hibberd was taken in the rookie draft following a dominant VFL season at Williamstown in a new role as an inside midfielder, averaging 24 disposals, seven tackles and 128 SuperCoach points per game. Essendon is crying out for tough, inside midfielders and the former Roo could be the man to fill the void.
Stephen Hill ($190.6k, DEF/FWD)
It’s a surprise to see the 29-year-old Docker at such a low price, but injury has held Stephen Hill back in recent years. Hill signed a two-year deal at the middle of last year and if he is in the Dockers line-up in Round 1 next year, he is too good to pass up – especially with his dual-position status. He averaged 85-plus SuperCoach points from 2013-16, eclipsing a 95-point average in 2015 and 2016
Hayden Young ($180.3k, DEF)
Young was mooted as a top-three draft selection for most of the year but slipped to pick No. 7, giving him a slight discount. He remains a high-priced rookie but the smooth-moving defender is a capable scorer, averaging 129 SuperCoach points at NAB League level and 107 points at the national championships. Shaping up as a likely debutant for Fremantle in Round 1.
Will Gould ($117.3k, DEF)
The Swans draftee looks a lot older than his age suggests and he has the frame to step in for the Swans from day dot. Gould played close to a full season at SANFL level last season, averaging 89 points per game and even taking the kick-ins for Glenelg. The Shannon Hurn comparisons will excite any SuperCoacher.
Tom Green ($166.8k, MID)
If he plays, he will score well. The Patrick Cripps clone has been earmarked as the next SuperCoach beast, averaging 159 SuperCoach points in four NAB League games for the Giants academy and posting a ton at NEAFL level against the Gold Coast. The question is whether Green can force his way into the Giants’ stacked midfield, which is oozing with talent.
Nakia Cockatoo ($148,200, FWD/MID)
Another injury-cursed cheapie who is priced favourably. The Cats’ excitement machine played just the two games last year due to numerous setbacks but, like Hill, is seriously tempting if he is in the team for Round 1. Posted an average of 63 points from 10 games in 2016, which we would definitely take.
Sam Flanders ($162.3k, FWD/MID)
The Suns gave up picks 17 and 22 on draft night to snare the Gippsland Power midfielder, which suggests they like the cut of his jib. Like Rowell, Flanders should get opportunities early and is capable of playing as a small forward or in the midfield. Flanders averaged 113 points at the under-18 national championships.