SuperCoach rookie Bible: Your guide to 41 of the best cheapies in 2017
WHICH cheapies should be in your SuperCoach team? The final pre-season games provided valuable intel including a Cats bench bolter. Al Paton rates 44 bargain basement options.
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THERE is just 10 days until the first SuperCoach lockout of 2017 and the scramble is on to fill squads around the nation.
Many SuperCoach teams have black spaces, or placeholders, on the bench waiting to see which cheap players are worth including in our squads. Well folks, that time is now. And the final round of pre-season matches gave us plenty to work with.
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SCROLL DOWN TO SEE 44 CHEAP PLAYERS RATED
Getting huge scores from Patrick Dangerfield and Max Gawn is fun, but picking the right rookies is the key to SuperCoach success.
In order to have the cash from our $10 million salary cap to afford the big-name stars we need to pick a selection of super cheap players — and our choices here can be the difference between bragging rights over your mates or sitting at the bottom of your private league.
The No.1 priority is to find cheapies — or “rookies” in SuperCoach speak — who will get games in the home-and-away season.
It might not seem that important to have scoring players on your bench but these are vital to cover for any injuries in your starting line-up and to generate the cash you will need to make trades during the season.
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In most years a rookie is any player priced under about $150,000 but this year the definition has to be expanded slightly given the shortage of quality bargain-basement options. In previous years we have been spoiled by Gold Coast and GWS flooding the AFL with cheap kids and last year Essendon’s top-up players provided lots of good cheap targets. This year we have to look harder.
Here are the standout options for 2017.
CURTLY HAMPTON (ADEL) $160,000 DEFENDER
Shaping as the rookie buy of the year. The former Giant is 23 and ready for a job as a creative running defender for the Crows. Rounded out a very impressive JLT Series with 90 points against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. Start him on the field with confidence.
SAM POWELL-PEPPER (PA) $135,300 MIDFIELDER
Port’s top selection in last year’s draft (pick 18) locked in a Round 1 start with 23-disposal effort against Hawthorn (82 SuperCoach points). “SPP” is a man-child who wins big clearances and isn’t afraid to push much more experienced AFL players out of the way. Only worry is losing points from free kicks against (eight on Saturday).
CALEB MARCHBANK (CARL) $236,100 DEFENDER
Another former Giant who has slotted seamlessly into the Blues’ defence, where we expect the ball to spend a lot of time this year. Scored another 85 points against Freo after averaging 81 from his two pre-season matches. Job security is worth spending a bit extra.
BRETT EDDY (PA) $102,400 FORWARD
Bolted up the list after booting five goals against Hawthorn on Saturday — including four in the third quarter. “He probably deserves to play,” Port coach Ken Hinkley said. “We reward good form … so I’d be surprised if he is not a 27-year-old debutant.” Eddy has runs on the board — he was the leading goalkicker in the SANFL last year (74).
TIM TARANTO (GWS) $207,300 MIDFIELD/FORWARD
Pricey for a rookie and there is already a long queue for a run in the super-talented Giants midfield. But the No.2 draft pick, who burst on to the scene in last year’s under-18 championships, produced two to-quality games to start the JLT Series and scored a respectable 76 against the Kangaroos. Injury to Stephen Coniglio could mean more opportunities and comes with dual-position status.
ANDY OTTEN (ADEL) $123,900 DEFENDER
If you were playing SuperCoach back in 2009 you may remember Otten as a great rookie option that year — and he could be about to repeat history. His price is back to the bargain bin after battling knee injuries that kept him out for most of the past two years. Super solid again on Saturday with 78 points. Adelaide have a few injured players to come back — make sure he’s picked for Round 1 before committing.
BRANDAN PARFITT (GEEL) $117,300 MIDFIELD/FORWARD
A Round 1 bolter after picking up 18 disposals against the Bombers and posting an average around the 60 mark across the JLT Series. Courageous midfielder who played senior footy in the SANFL last year. Plonk him on your bench in the midfield or forward line.
JAKE BARRETT (BL) $127,900 MIDFIELDER
Just 47 points from 15 disposals in Brisbane’s final JLT game is slightly concerning but has done enough to earn a rookie promotion for Round 1. The tough midfielder managed just one senior game in three years on the Giants list, now gets a second chance at the Lions.
OLIVER FLORENT (SYD) $166,800 MIDFIELD/FORWARD
Seems at the front of the queue of Sydney youngsters gunning for a spot in the Round 1 team against Port Adelaide. Had 16 disposals against the Saints but disposal efficiency of 50 per cent let him down, posting 57 SuperCoach points. Isaac Heeney’s illness creates an opening in the midfield.
CAM McCARTHY (FREM) $203,600 FORWARD
Had his best game as a Docker against Carlton on Friday, bagging six goals and 89 SuperCoach points. Those sort of numbers are unlikely to happen too often but he will get a game every week, which is a massive plus. Has never averaged more than 53, although he did post a couple of 100-plus scores back in 2015.
AARON BLACK (GEEL) $137,100 FORWARD
Alarm bells! Didn’t make the cut for the Cats’ final pre-season game after an underwhelming performance in JLT2. Was his four-goal return in his first game for Geelong the best we’ll see of the former Kangaroo?
TOM STEWART (GEEL) $117,300 DEFENDER
Alarm bells (2)! Mature-age defender finished the game against Essendon on the bench but the Cats say it was just cramp. A feel-good story drafted by Geelong from its own VFL team who is unlikely to post big scores but should provide solid bench cover.
MITCH HIBBERD (NM) $123,900 MIDFIELD/DEFENDER
A ball magnet who had 25 disposals against Hawthorn two weeks ago but just 10 against the Giants on Friday. Still a likely starter for Round 1 given the need to regenerate the team.
ED VICKERS-WILLIS (NM) $123,900 DEFENDER
See above. Skinny defender was also quiet against GWS. Should have enough credits in the bank from the Roos’ first two JLT games (when he averaged 84 SuperCoach points).
JARROD PICKETT (CARL) $123,900 MIDFIELD/FORWARD
The classic SuperCoach small forward — averaged 34 in his first two pre-season games then posted 86 after kicking three goals against Freo. Scores will be up and down (mostly down) but the former No.4 draft pick seems a certain Round 1 starter.
WILL HOSKIN-ELLIOTT (COLL) $213,300 FORWARD
Finished the pre-season strongly with 19 disposals and 80 SuperCoach points against Richmond, following scores of 83 and 64 in his first two games. The former No.4 draft pick averaged 51 SuperCoach points over five seasons at the Giants but will get more opportunities at the Magpies. Not cheap, though. Hmm.
DAN HOUSTON (PA) $117,300 FORWARD
Port can upgrade two rookies before Round 1. Brett Eddy has one of those spots in the bag and Houston is gunning for the other after playing in all three JLT Games. The former co-captain of the Oakleigh Chargers was drafted as a forward but his thrived after a move to defence this pre-season.
HARRISON WIGG (ADEL) $123,900 MIDFIELDER
Starred in the Crows’ first JLT game but couldn’t back it up the next week and was dropped for JLT3 — but responded to be one of the best players in a SANFL trial game. Likely to see senior action this year but might be in and out. Averaged 23 disposals in the SANFL last year.
JOE ATLEY (PA) $117,300 MIDFIELDER
Sam Powell-Pepper has stolen the headlines for Port’s youngsters but Atley (pick 32 in last year’s draft) has quietly compiled an impressive pre-season series of his own. Played all three games but managed only 30 SuperCoach points against the Hawks. Watch the Round 1 teams.
DAN BUTLER (RICH) $123,900 FORWARD
Just about the only player on the Richmond list who didn’t get a game last year, but the signs are a lot more promising in 2017. Had impressed in two JLT Games with his pace — something the Tigers are looking for. Barely sighted in the first half against Collingwood but lifted after the break to help get the Tigers back in the game, boosting his Round 1 chances. But as a small forward don’t expect big scores, and job security far from guaranteed.
ANDREW McGRATH (ESS) $211,800 MIDFIELD/DEFENDER
The No.1 draft pick was a scoring machine at junior level but still finding his feet in AFL company, collecting nine, 16 and seven disposals in three JLT games. Coach John Worsfold stopped short of guaranteeing him a Round 1 start on Sunday night, saying he’s “in that mix”. Pricey so you would want good scores.
JARROD WITTS (GC) $217,600 RUCK
Made the ruck situation even more complicated by scoring 85 points against the Bulldogs after coming back from a hand injury. The opposition ruck stocks were pretty thin but he’s likely to start Round 1 as the Suns’ No.1 ruck. A lot of money to sit on your bench but would be a massive risk as one of your two starting rucks. Tricky.
DARCY CAMERON (SYD) $117,300 RUCK/FORWARD
Mature-age pick from the WAFL but not entirely clear where he fits in the Swans’ ruck pecking order. Played against St Kilda which is a good sign but so did Sam Naismith (who outscored him 52-39) and its doubtful John Longmire will take both into Round 1.
JACK BOWES (GC) $171,300 MIDFIELD/FORWARD,
WILL BRODIE (GC) $175,800 MIDFIELDER,
BEN AINSWORTH (GC) $198,300 MIDFIELD/FORWAR
Three top-10 draft picks who have shown glimpses (or more) of their talent over the JLT Series but are perhaps feeling the effects of their first AFL pre-season, scoring 39, 29 and 15 points respectively against the Bulldogs last Thursday. High price tags probably rules them out.
PADDY McCARTIN (STK) $240,400 FORWARD
What have we been saying about young key forwards? Paddy proved the theory when he crashed back to earth with a 47 after his 103 against Carlton the week before. Does have good job security though and as a former No.1 draft pick the potential is there.
JAMES STEWART (ESS) $169,800 FORWARD
Had a good game against Geelong, kicking two goals — and scored 57 SuperCoach points. That’s probably about where he’s at but the Bombers need a second tall to stand beside Joe Daniher so he should get games.
JORDAN FOOTE (SYD) $182,200 MIDFIELDER
One of several youngsters in the running for a spot in the Swans’ Round 1 team. Played one game last year then won the club’s 3km time-trial over summer. Has played all of Sydney’s JLT games but finished with 10 disposals and just 31 points against St Kilda. Is it enough?
JOSH BEGLEY (ESS) $117,300 FORWARD
The big-bodied teenager — nicknamed ‘Fridge’ — moved from full-forward to the midfield late in the 2016 TAC Cup season and bolted up the draft order. Kicked four goals against Gold Coast in Mackay and we said last week he needed another big game to lock in a Round 1 spot. Unfortunately, he couldn’t deliver it, with just three kicks for one behind against Geelong.
RYAN SCHOENMAKERS (HAW) $155,100 FORWARD
Seems odd to have him here but he’s pretty darn cheap for a guy in his ninth season. Has played in all three of Hawthorn’s JLT games and could be a safe option even though, like all key forwards, you wouldn’t be relying on him for huge scores every week (he scored 40 against Port Adelaide yesterday). His best year was 2012 when he played 22 games and averaged 68 points.
LUKE STRNADICA $102,400 RUCK/FORWARD
Extreme long shot to play in 2017 and his name is a mouthful but if you’re not worried about ruck back-up he’s as cheap as they get. In a lot of expert SuperCoach players’ teams to take advantage of the vice-captain loophole.
ZACH GUTHRIE (GEEL) $102,400 DEFENDER
We might have to wait a bit longer for the younger brother of Cam. Has made rapid progress since being recruited in the rookie draft but was left out of Geelong’s team that defeated Essendon yesterday. A possible mid-season downgrade.
NIC NEWMAN (SYD) $123,900 DEFENDER
The frustration continues for Newman and his SuperCoach fans. Bashed down the door with huge numbers in the NEAFL all last year and looked set for a run in the seniors when he scored 78 in the Swans’ first JLT game, but was left out when stars returned against the Giants and again against St Kilda. Apparently needs an injury to someone in the best 22 to get an opportunity.
SAM DURDAN (NM) $123,900 FORWARD,
DECLAN MOUNTFORD (NM) $123,900 MIDFIELDER
Two more young Kangaroos who should see senior action this year. Both played in the first two JLT games but were left out of the JLT3 team against the Giants. Remember the names for later in the year when we’re looking for rookies to trade in.
DANIEL LLOYD (GWS) $117,300 MIDFIELDER
No sign of the 25-year-old in the Giants’ final JLT team after two goals and eight tackles in his first pre-season game to top the magical SuperCoach ton. Another option for later in the year if he gets a crack.
NATHAN FREEMAN (STK) $123,900 MIDFIELDER
Rated high enough to be taken at No.10 in the draft but that was four years ago and he hasn’t played a game since thanks to repeated hamstring injuries. The Saints hope he’s over those but now he’s battling a hip problem. Might play a practice match this weekend. Would be a huge gamble.
JOSH DAICOS (COLL) $117,300 FORWARD
Sadly there is no romance in SuperCoach. Daicos Jr has some nice skills but won’t score much and probably won’t get many senior opportunities. A late withdrawal from the Magpies’ final JLT game. Way down the list.
KYM LEBOIS (CARL) $123,400 FORWARD
Kicked a brilliant goal in the Blues’ first JLT game but hasn’t been seen since. Scratch him off your list.
BRAYDON PREUSS (NM) $123,900 RUCK
Jumped into calculations with three goals and 97 points against Hawthorn at Arden St, but it’s hard to see Brad Scott fitting all of Todd Goldstein, Majak Daw and Preuss in the same team. Played against GWS and had three disposals and eight hitouts.
LACHLAN KEEFFE (COLL) $165,900 DEFENDER
Coming back after a year out due to a drug ban. Pies are keen to try him up forward this year which doesn’t bode well for his SuperCoach scores. Even more worrying is he might not be in the best 22 — he has played one JLT game (44 points) but was not in the squad for the Pies’ final pre-season game against Richmond.
LUKE RYAN (FREM) $117,300 DEFENDER
We love mature-age recruits in SuperCoach and former Coburg defender Ryan ticks the boxes — the only problem is he hasn’t been picked in any of Freo’s pre-season games. A ‘no’ for now but a name to look for during the season.
HUGH McCLUGGAGE (BL) $202,800 MID/FORWARD
Scratch him off the list — he’s out for a month with an ankle injury. Same goes for David Myers, Willie Rioli and Jack Graham.
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