The Phantom’s defensive aces after the pre-season comp’s second week

WEEK two of the JLT series raised some intriguing possibilities in defence for SuperCoaches. Here are 10 players who caught The Phantom’s critical eye.

Curtly Hampton ... firming for Round 1. Picture: Sarah Reed

• Week 1 — The Phantom’s 1 ruck bolters
• Week 1 — The Phantom’s midfield bolters
• Week 1 — The Phantom’s forward bolters
• Week 1 — The Phantom’s backline bolters

WEEK two of the JLT series raised some intriguing possibilities in defence for SuperCoaches. Here are 10 players who caught The Phantom’s critical eye.

Promising ... Riley Bonner battles with Robbie Gray at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Riley Bonner (Port) $248,100

While the dashing defender didn’t light up the stats sheet, he showed enough to suggest he will be a regular for the Power across halfback in 2017. Bonner registered 15 disposals — 12 of them kicks — and ranked second on the ground for metres gained. The left-footer, who showcased his line-breaking run, tallied 63 SuperCoach points.

Rory Laird (Adel) $526,800

The star defender has been slated for a midfield move in 2017 and, against the Tigers in the Crows’ first JLT Series game, he showed just what we can expect. Laird, who attended eight centre bounces — in the absence of midfield regulars Rory Sloane, Brad Crouch and Scott Thompson — hit the target with 28 of his 33 disposals, finishing with a game-high 141 points.

Curtly Hampton (Adel) $160,000

With 108 points, second only to Laird on the ground, Hampton made a statement in his first AFL hitout as a Crow. The former Giant, who played through the midfield, is firming for Round 1 after 16 disposals, five tackles, five marks and two goals against the Tigers.

Super impressive in return ... Andy Otten. Picture: Sarah Reed

Andy Otten (Adel) $123,900

Friday night’s clash against the Tigers marked the 27-year-old, rookie-priced defender’s first AFL game in 929 days. And he was super impressive. Otten, who finished with 98 points, hit the target with 14 of his 17 disposals and won nine intercept possessions — the second-most on the ground. But don’t get too excited just yet. Fellow defenders Jake Lever and Kyle Cheney, who both missed the game, are still well ahead at this point.

Caleb Marchbank (Carl) $236,100

Speaking of former Giants, the No. 6 pick from the 2014 national draft impressed in his first appearance in the navy blue. Marchbank, who played seven games in his time at GWS, was one of Carlton’s better players, patrolling the air across halfback, registering 18 disposals, 10 marks and 76 points.

Christian Salem (Melb) $379,500

The 21-year-old has teased the SuperCoach community a number of times but, after 21 disposals, two goals and 98 points in his first game of the pre-season, it could finally time for a breakout year. The highly-skilled left-footer could become a damaging playmaker across halfback and will benefit from a fast-improving Melbourne side.

Bernie Vince and Christian Salem ... setting the pace in defence for Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Bernie Vince (Melb) $501,100

Vince followed up his 97-point performance in week one with another 95 points against the Blues. The veteran’s ball use was, again, a highlight with the right-footer finishing with 23 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency. Expect these numbers throughout 2017.

Sam Docherty ... just warming up. Picture: Regi Varghese

Sam Docherty (Carl) $591,600

The most expensive defender in the game reminded us just why he is worth every penny in 2017. In Carlton’s first match of the pre-season, Docherty registered 24 disposals — at an elite 95 per cent efficiency — and 95 SuperCoach points. And the 23-year-old is only just warming up.

Sharrod Wellingham (WC) $344,000

After Wellingham notched 110 SuperCoach points working through the midfield in week one, The Phantom questioned his continued impact with the return of stars Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey and Sam Mitchell. But Wellingham, who this week played more across halfback, answered the question with 23 disposals, seven marks and 107 points. However, it was one-way traffic against the Dockers so watch closely when the Eagles tackle the Demons on Thursday week.

Mitch Hibberd ... made a splash against Hawthorn. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

Mitch Hibberd (NM) $123,900 mid

After only half a game in the Kangaroos’ first JLT Series hitout, the highly-rated 21-year-old was given further opportunity against the Hawks and he didn’t disappoint, showing off his ball-winning ability with 25 disposals. On the down side, six clangers saw him only manage 72 points but give him time. Still a huge chance for Round 1.

Originally published as The Phantom’s defensive aces after the pre-season comp’s second week