The SuperCoach cash cows ready to breakout and step into senior roles in 2018

SUPERCOACH is all about identifying cheap players who can make you big money that you can trade in for the big guns. Here's BEN HIGGINS' look at the breakout candidates in 2018.

Paul Ahern at North Melbourne training. Picture: David Smith

WHO’S ready to step up in 2018?

We’ve already looked at some of the draftees ready to become SuperCoach cash cows but what about youngsters already on lists?

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December and January is the time to stamp yourself as a “pre-season flyer” and get yourself on the radar for Round 1.

These are the youngsters we think can become crucial Round 1 cheapies.

Tom Doedee is expected to replace Jake Lever. Picture: Peter Ristevski

TOM DOEDEE (Def, $123,900)

The young key defender looks the most likely to replace Jake Lever in the Crows’ backline after a stellar season in the SANFL. He averaged 17.2 disposals per game but more importantly ranked No.1 for intercept possessions and rated elite for intercept marks and spoils. Competition from Alex Keath and Kyle Cheney.

WILL SETTERFIELD (Mid-Fwd, $195,700)

After playing two games last season perhaps he’s too expensive but we paid a similar price for Tim Taranto at the start of 2017. If Setterfield can produce a similar effort he’ll be a nice earner. An ankle injury and concussion limited him but had 31 touches and 10 tackles in last game of the year.

Giants teammates Tim Taranto and Will Setterfield.

BRAYDEN SIER (Mid, $123,900)

Cursed by injury, Sier has played just 18 games at VFL level over the past two years. However, at 190cm, the big-bodied midfielder is exactly what the Magpies need. If he can get his body right he would help ease the pressure on Scott Pendlebury and Taylor Adams to win the ball at the coalface and allow the likes of Adam Treloar to explode on the outside.

MYLES POHOLKE (Mid-Fwd, $123,900)

Was close to a debut - named an emergency twice - in 2017 but the Crows’ engineroom is a tough nut to crack. Bryce Gibb’s arrival might make his task even harder. However, the Crows aren’t scared to play the kids, debuting 12 in the past three years.

RYAN GARDINER (Def, $123,900)

Praise doesn’t come much higher than when premiership defender Harry Taylor names you as the man most likely to replace the retired Tom Lonergan. Gardner was used at both ends in the VFL and even in the ruck at time and his versatility can only be a bonus as he aims to make his AFL debut.

JACK SCRIMSHAW (Def, $202,300)

The Suns youngster played four games so he’s not as cheap as we’d like. However, he’s bound to get more opportunities in 2018 as the club rebuilds again and the Gold Coast backline will likely have a bit of work to do. Grant Birchall and Cam O’Shea will likely appeal more unless you’re a favourite of unique picks.

Jack Scrimshaw is a pricey option. Picture: Stewart McLean

Mitch Hibberd has struggled with injury. Picture: Michael Klein

MITCH HIBBERD (Def, $169,300)

Do we go to the well again? Hibberd was a popular but ultimately frustrating pick in 2017 but as North Melbourne continues to rebuild more opportunities should present. The defender played Round 1 but then had to wait until Round 15 for a second chance. His 22 disposals and three tackles in Round 16 netted him 74 points.

ALEX MORGAN (Def, $123,900)

After failing to breakthrough at Essendon, Alex Morgan joined North Melbourne as a delisted free agent and is now a prime cash cow candidate. The Kangaroos have several cheap options as they continue to rebuild. The 21-year-old should slot into half-back, a position that is becoming more and more SuperCoach relevant.

PAUL AHERN (Mid-Fwd, $123,900)

The former No.7 draft pick has been beset by injuries. However, the former Giant is back in training and eyeing off a Round 1 debut. The Kangaroos will play the kids in 2018 so expect him to get plenty of opportunity and, more importantly, be keen to make up for lost time. His dual position status is an added bonus.

TIM SMITH (Fwd, $123,900)

Played three games in his debut season. On the comeback trail after an injury-riddled season, Smith was earning plenty of praise for his recovery from a fractured leg. “He’s looking like the Joel Smith of old – really athletic and dynamic –so [we’re] pretty pleased with how he’s going,” Demons elite performance manager Dave Misson told the club website.

Daniel Venables (Fwd, $123,900)