The Phantom’s ultimate Cash Cow guide: All the SuperCoach-relevant rookies, their history and pre-season form
The Phantom has rolled the cash cow week of the SuperCoach pre-season into one complete and updated guide. See who you should be looking at for Round 1 and beyond.
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JLT Series Week 2 Standouts: Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards | Rucks
- How The Phantom’s SuperCoach draft unfolded
- The Phantom’s Top-50 Draft rankings
The Phantom has rolled the cash cow week of the SuperCoach pre-season, which covered the best rookie-priced options in each position, into one complete guide with an updated March verdict. See who you should be looking at for Round 1 below.
DEFENDERS
THE TOP-PICKS
JORDAN CLARK (Gee) $144,300
JLT Series scores: 87, 67
Coach Chris Scott has been impressed with the 18-year-old draftee, who won Western Australia’s MVP at las year’s Under-18 championships, during his first pre-season at the Cats and it’s not hard to see why.
The composed Clark, whose speed off half-back has been a highlight, has put himself right in the Round 1 selection frame after an impressive JLT Series.
And Geelong aren’t afraid to play the kids.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Clark, who was the top-ranked player for metres gained at the Under-18 championships, has bolted into SuperCoach calculations after a standout pre-season. Pick him on your field if — as expected — he’s named in Round 1.
XAVIER DUURSMA (Port) $130,800, mid
JLT Series scores: 40, 78
With the pre-season shoulder injury to Ollie Wines and the departure of Chad Wingard and Jared Polec, there’s spots up for grabs in the Power side.
While Duursma is unlikely to be ahead of Rozee, the 186cm, 73kg right-footer, who breaks the lines and can play in multiple positions, was the only midfielder in the TAC Cup last year to rank elite for intercept possessions, score involvements and goals.
The Gippsland Power captain averaged 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five tackles, five score involvements and 124 SuperCoach points in 2018.
The Phantom’s March verdict: An impressive JLT Series, including a 24-disposal, 11-mark performance against the Kangaroos, has Duursma right in the Round 1 selection frame.
CONNOR ROZEE, fwd (Port), $189,300
JLT Series scores: 41, 44
The versatile 18-year-old impressed for North Adelaide in the SANFL last season, playing a key role across half-back in the Roosters’ successful finals campaign.
In the semi-final victory over Sturt, Rozee, who averaged 157 SuperCoach points playing as a midfielder at the 2016 Under 16 national championships, tallied 24 disposals — 20 of them effective — 10 marks and four rebound 50s.
Despite averaging seven intercept possessions in the last four SANFL games for the year, expect the 185cm Rozee to line up across half-forward or on a wing for the Power in 2019.
With his foot skills, aerial ability and speed, it’s hard to see a Port Adelaide Round 1 team without him in it.
The Phantom’s March verdict: He’ll certainly be there in Round 1 but the half-forward role he’s played in the JLT Series might not see Rozee score enough to justify the high-end rookie-price.
ISAAC QUAYNOR (Coll) $153,300
JLT Series scores: 34, dnp
The ready-made defender averaged 16 disposals, seven contested possessions and 90 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup last season and has been impressive in his first pre-season at Collingwood.
If he can push his case during the JLT Series, the 19-year-old, who averaged the second-most metres gained at the 2018 Under 18 championships is a chance to feature at half-back early in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Quaynor only managed one JLT Series appearance, which resulted in just 34 points, so it’s unlikely he’s made a strong enough case for Round 1 selection.
THE TOP-PRICE
JORDAN RIDLEY (Ess) $239,400,
JLT Series scores: 97, 94
The third-year defender, who scored 76 points on debut last season, has been impressive in the JLT Series and should get the opportunity to lock down a spot in the Bomber defence early in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Didn’t feature in The Phantom’s rookie-price week earlier in the pre-season but commands a spot after all-but confirming his Round 1 spot. While he scored well in the JLT Series, can the neat ball-user score enough to justify his elevated price when the real stuff starts?
THE MATURE-AGERS
SAM COLLINS (GC) $188,900
JLT Series scores: 93, 52
The 24-year-old, who played 14 games with the Dockers in 2016 and 2017, is back on an AFL list after taking 110 intercept marks in the VFL last season, the most ever recorded in a state league competition.
The 194cm right-footer’s numbers were so good, he would’ve ranked No.1 key defender in the AFL for intercept possessions, intercept marks, contested possessions and marks.
Collins, who averaged 124 SuperCoach points per game in 2018, will slot straight into the Suns’ back six this season.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Despite the season-ending injury to key defender Rory Thompson meaning Collins might need to play deeper, the original verdict still stands. He’s worth the elevated price tag.
MARTY HORE (Melb) $117,300
JLT Series scores: 57, 81
The Demon defence won’t be easy to break into but the 190cm defender from Collingwood in the VFL, who has recovered from off-season ankle surgery, will be putting plenty of pressure on the Melbourne match committee — especially with Jake Lever not due back until around mid-year. The long-kicking left-footer, who averaged 102 SuperCoach points, reads the play exceptionally well, ranking second for intercept possessions and marks in the VFL last season.
The Phantom’s March verdict: The perfect bench option if the 23-year-old is named in Round 1.
CALLUM WILKIE (StK) $124,900
JLT Series scores: 26, 18
The 23-year-old won the best-and-fairest in a premiership year at North Adelaide last season after averaging 20 disposals, nine marks — three of them intercepts — and four rebound 50s per game. The 191cm attacking defender is one of a handful of mature-age recruits vying for an early season opportunity at the Saints but where he fits in remains the big question.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Despite injury to key members of St Kilda’s back-six paving the way for an early-season debut, Wilkie’s scoring in the JLT Series doesn’t scream ‘pick me’.
CHRIS BURGESS (GC) $123,900, Fwd
JLT Series scores: 68, 15
The highly-rated 23-year-old, who played at both ends for West Adelaide in the SANFL in 2018, is another mature-age option to consider.
The strong-marking Burgess, who booted 24 goals in 47 SANFL games since making his debut in 2016, averaged 14 disposals, six marks, four intercept possessions, four score involvements and 84 SuperCoach points per game last season.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Scored well in the first JLT Series match but failed to fire against the Swans in a deep-forward role. Still, his dual-position status makes him a great bench option, given he’ll play.
NEW START
COREY ELLIS (GC) $233,300, Mid
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
The 22-year-old just couldn’t cement a spot in the senior side in his four years at Richmond but he dominated in the VFL, averaging 110 SuperCoach points per game in the past two seasons.
While the defensive side of his game will have him in Stuart Dew’s plans, is Ellis, who scored 60 points or more just nine times in his 27 career matches, worth the elevated rookie-price even with a new midfield role?
The Phantom’s March verdict: Ellis has had an injury-interrupted pre-season and missed the entire JLT Series. Avoid to start with.
JACK SCRIMSHAW (Haw) $149,800
JLT Series scores: 68, 78
The highly talented 20-year-old never really settled on the Gold Coast, managing just four senior games, but, when he’s ready, expect coach Alastair Clarkson to deploy Scrimshaw at half-back and utilise his damaging left-foot and intercept ability.
Scrimshaw, who has the qualities to turn himself into a Marcus Bontempelli-like midfielder in time, averaged 85 SuperCoach points in 14 NEAFL matches in 2018.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Showcased his neat-left foot during the JLT Series and looks set to line up across half-back in Round 1.
BACK FROM INJURY?
TOM WILLIAMSON (Carl) $189,500
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
The 20-year-old is resuming after a back injury wiped his 2018 season but the Blues rate him highly after the left-footer showed enough in his 15-game debut season of 2017.
Williamson only averaged 12 disposals in that year but that figure should increase with more opportunity in a defence that’s missing Sam Docherty.
The Phantom’s March verdict: The back injury will see him miss the early-part of the season, at least. Finger crossed he’ll appear as a late-season downgrade option.
MIDFIELDERS
THE TOP-PICKS
SAM WALSH (Carl) $207,300
JLT Series scores: 102, 96
“I’m yet to see a weakness, to be honest. He’s a serious athlete.”
That’s how veteran Kade Simpson described his new team-mate on SEN in February.
Everything you hear about the classy, hard-working midfielder is overwhelmingly positive.
And his numbers are no different.
In 41 junior matches covered by Champion Data, the No. 1 pick averaged 29 disposals per game.
Walsh, who averaged 142 SuperCoach points at the Under-18 championships, has been turning heads at the Blues over the pre-season and should slot straight into the midfield against the Tigers in March.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Wow. What a pre-season. As you can see, I was impressed in February and a standout JLT Series — Walsh was Carlton’s best performer behind Patrick Cripps — has confirmed his status as a SuperCoach lock.
ZAK BUTTERS (Port) $157,800
JLT Series scores: 91, 82
The kid has it all. Courage, skill and an elite footy-IQ.
The 18-year-old, who averaged 110 SuperCoach points per game at TAC Cup level last season, tallied 25 disposals in the Power’s first pre-season match and his six-score assists for the entire JLT Series ranked him equal-first in the competition.
He’s the next Robbie Gray at Alberton.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Initially his light body was a concern but Ken Hinkley is backing him in. Expect the No. 12 pick from last year’s draft to have an immediate impact.
CHAYCE JONES (Adel) $171,300
JLT Series scores: 36, 78
The Crows’ top draft pick, who averaged 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles, six score involvements and 109 points at last year’s Under-18 championships, has ticked all the boxes in his first pre-season.
Playing in a full-strength Adelaide side, the 18-year-old, whose speed and pressure has been a highlight, booted two goals and laid five tackles in a performance against the Giants which has him a likely Round 1 starter.
The Phantom’s March verdict: There might be better value at the lower rookie-price but Jones looks set for early action and could score well as part of a high-scoring Adelaide forward line.
LUKE VALENTE (Fre) $117,300
JLT Series scores: Dnp, dnp
There’s a lot of Jack Graham about Valente.
Both are strongly-built midfielders, who captained South Australia at Under-18 level. They won plenty of footy and dominated junior games.
And late last year, like Graham, the questions revolved around Valente’s speed and upside, in comparison to a number of other midfielders in the draft.
But, after overcoming an early-season injury, Graham played a big role in the Tigers’ drought-breaking premiership in his first year in the competition.
In a developing Docker engine room without Lachie Neale, Valente could do the same.
The 186cm, 80kg Valente is great by foot — on both sides of his body — and averaged 22 disposals and 118 SuperCoach points per game as he lead his side to the 2018 Under-18 title.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Unfortunately, Valente has battled injury over the pre-season and is still some way off from being available for selection. Fingers crossed for a mid-season downgrade.
JACKSON HATELY (GWS) $148,800
JLT Series scores: 101, 42
After averaging 91 SuperCoach points in 12 senior games at SANFL level in 2018, the 190cm Hately was drafted ready to go.
And he’s reinforced the point with a terrific pre-season at the Giants.
As a junior, the 18-year-old did best work on the inside, rating elite for clearances and tackles at the Under-18 championships, where he averaged 108 points per game.
But he’s also shown he can break away from the contest and be damaging on the outside.
There’s midfield spots up for grabs at GWS and Hately is right in the mix.
The Phantom’s March verdict: A quieter game in the second week of the JLT Series after a standout pre-season opener against the Swans. Should score well if he’s picked but he done enough? Consider.
ELY SMITH (Bris) $117,300
JLT Series scores: 13, dnp
In a similar mould to Hately and Valente, Smith — taken at pick No. 21 in last year’s draft — arrived at the Lions with a body ready for senior football.
The contested beast, who stands at 187cm and 86kg, averaged 114 points in the TAC Cup last season and ranked elite for disposals, contested possessions, clearances and score involvements.
While he’s ready to play AFL footy tomorrow, the Lions’ developing midfield isn’t short of inside ball winners so Smith may have to bide his time.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Should break into the Lions’ side at some stage but it won’t be in Round 1, given the depth of Brisbane’s on-ball stocks.
LIAM STOCKER (Carl) $126,300
JLT Series scores: Dnp, dnp
After a slow start to 2018, the 183cm midfielder averaged 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions and six clearances in the final nine games of the year, to finish with a SuperCoach average of 110 and a Morrish Medal as the TAC Cup’s best-and-fairest.
And the Blues, who were desperate to land Stocker after trading picks with the Crows, should give him a chance early in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: The Blues aren’t going to rush Stocker despite what they gave up to secure the teenager in last year’s draft. Look elsewhere for now.
THE MATURE-AGERS
BRETT BEWLEY (Fre) $117,300
JLT Series scores: 48, 16
The 23-year-old, who averaged 26 disposals, five inside 50s and 104 SuperCoach points per game last season, has fit in seamlessly at Fremantle and is in line for a debut early in 2019.
The damaging left-footer has impressed with his running ability and will be a great addition on a wing, helping to send the ball forward to a new-look forward line featuring Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb.
The Phantom’s March verdict: At the time of the initial analysis, Bewley was the must-have cash cow in 2019. But after limited game-time over the JLT Series, it’s hard to assess where he fits in to Ross Lyon’s plans. But I’ll be putting him on the bench if he’s named.
N ICK HIND (StK) $117,300
JLT Series scores: 52, 29
And there’s another mature-age recruit who has bolted — literally — into Round 1 calculations, after impressing coach Alan Richardson over summer.
Hind, plucked from Essendon’s VFL side, averaged 22 disposals, four marks and 87 SuperCoach points in 2018 and will bring some serious speed and line-breaking ability to the St Kilda side — two traits the Saints are crying out for, especially in the back half.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Mature body? Tick. Senior experience? Tick? Round 1? Fingers crossed.
TOM ATKINS (Geel) $112,900)
JLT Series scores: 69, 80
On August 19, 2017, Atkins broke the VFL tackle record, applying 23 against Collingwood.
And that’s not all he did that day.
The 23-year-old tallied 25 disposals, 21 contested possessions and 13 clearances.
Huge.
In the VFL last season, Atkins — Geelong’s skipper — averaged 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances, nine tackles and more than one score assist per game.
The Cats could no longer overlook Atkins, who had been right in front of them for years, adding him to the rookie list late last year.
And after working with the Geelong forwards in a standout pre-season campaign, a pressure-forward role awaits in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: A great pre-season has Atkins right in the frame for a debut in the season-opener against the Magpies. Put him on your bench.
AFTER ANOTHER PRE-SEASON
CHARLIE CONSTABLE (Geel) $123,900
JLT Series scores: 92, 61
After averaging 121 SuperCoach points at the Under 18 championships and 109 points in the TAC Cup in 2017, the big-bodied midfielder was close to an early-season debut last year.
It didn’t eventuate but, after an impressive first year in the VFL, it could be a different story in 2019.
The 191cm Constable, whose game has been likened to Carlton star Patrick Cripps, averaged 24 disposals, 10 contested possessions, five marks, four tackles and four clearances per game in his first season against men.
And he’s been a standout in Geelong’s midfield in the JLT Series.
The Phantom’s March verdict: The February verdict stands. It’s a strong midfield but Constable can add another element. Over to you, Chris.
JOE ATLEY (Port) $123,900
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
With star Ollie Wines likely to miss the early part of the season with a shoulder injury, the third-year midfielder, who has three senior games to his name, is the ready-made replacement.
The 20-year-old is a similar build, standing at 188cm and weighing in at 88kg. Wines, four years his senior, is 190cm and tips the scales at 99kg.
And, like Wines, the No. 32 pick from the 2016 draft is a contested-ball beast.
In his draft year of 2016, Atley won 55 per cent of his possession in a contest. In 2017, playing for the Magpies in the SANFL, that percentage was 52. And last year, a season when he averaged 22 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and 91 SuperCoach points per game, 50 per cent of his possession was won in a contest.
Wines’ percentage in the past two seasons were 49 and 51 and in that time, he recorded 163 more contested possessions than any other Power player.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Unfortuntaley Atley injured a hamstring and failed to make appearance in any pre-season match for the Power. But he might be nice downgrade option come mid-year.
LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE (NM) $197,500
JLT Series scores: 73, 57
The ball-winning midfielder averaged 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, six score involvements, one goal and 134 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup last season, with a 33-disposal, 184-point performance in the finals the highlight.
That’s a paragraph taken from my analysis of Davies-Uniacke ahead of debut season in 2018.
It’s fair to say, after failing to score more than 37 points in five of his seven games last season, he failed to replicate his junior numbers in the big time.
But that doesn’t mean the big-bodied midfielder, with another pre-season under his belt, can’t do so in his second season.
He’s going to get more opportunity in 2019 and he’s still rookie-price.
The Phantom’s March verdict: While it didn’t translate into big SuperCoach scores, Davies-Uniacke found plenty of the football in the Kangaroos’ midfield in the JLT Series. His body should hold up better than most first-year draftees but can his scoring match his elevated price?
DYLAN CLARKE (Ess) $147,700
JLT Series scores: dnp, 6
In the VFL last season, the ball magnet averaged 27 disposals, eight tackles, five clearances and 110 SuperCoach points per game.
The 20-year-old tallied 30 disposals or more on nine occasions with a season-high 38 disposals — to go with 11 marks and 11 tackles — against Coburg in Round 10.
And in his draft year of 2016, Clarke averaged 29 disposals and 145 points per game in the TAC Cup.
It’s fair to say he has no trouble finding the football.
But his kicking is a concern — and it has been since his junior days.
Clarke recorded a kicking efficiency of less than 50 per cent across his first two seasons in the VFL.
From the outside, it looks to be one of the main reasons he’s only played one senior game in two years on the Bombers’ list.
But Clarke deserves a chance to showcase his strengths on the big stage.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Didn’t play in the first JLT Series and was only on the park for 10 per cent of the second. Keep him in mind for later in the year if he does get a chance.
THE PRE-SEASON BOLTER
BAILEY SCOTT (NM) $117,300
JLT Series scores: 59, 89
In the first quarter of the Kangaroos’ JLT Series opener against the Saints, the 18-year-old chased down Saint Jack Newnes on the wing, pushed him off the ball, kept his feet and sent the ball back inside 50. Coach Brad Scott would’ve been delighted with the draftee, who finished with 21 disposals and eight contested possessions, in his first hitout in a North jumper.
And then the 19-year-old, who averaged 102 points at the Under-18 championships last year, followed up with 19 disposals, two goals and 89 points in the second week of the JLT Series, to confirm his position as a SuperCoach cash cow in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Lock him in.
MICHAEL GIBBONS (Carl) $102,400
JLT Series scores: 68, 34
The mature-age recruit, who was a late addition to the Blues’ list to the delight of SuperCoaches, looks destined to line-up in Carlton’s Round 1 after an impressive JLT Series in a small-forward role.
But despite Gibbons scoring 128, 125, 171, 135 and 118 in the final five VFL games last season, don’t expect big scores from the outset in the role.
The Phantom’s March verdict: A great bench option at the bargain-basement price.
RUCKS
ZAC CLARKE (Ess) $142,600
JLT Series scores: 89, dnp
A year after being delisted by the Dockers, Clarke is back on an AFL list after a dominant season in the WAFL.
In 2018, the 28-year-old averaged 127 SuperCoach points per game — 22 more than any other ruckman in the competition — and booted 28 goals.
Equally as impressive were his numbers from a career-best year in 2013.
With Aaron Sandilands only playing seven matches, Clarke averaged 96 points per game after scoring 87 points or more 10 of his 14 games.
While Tom Bellchambers is still clearly the No. 1 man, the introduction of a number of new rules could see teams opt for two traditional ruckmen more often in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: In the absence of Bellchambers, Clarke dominated in the JLT Series opener. But then he was out injured in the second week. This one’s a wait-and-see but, if he’s named and you’re after bench cover at R3, Clarke is your man.
DARCY FORT (Geel) $117,300
JLT Series: 21, 13
The mature-age ruckman, drafted from Central District in the SANFL, has impressed in his first pre-season at Geelong.
“He is a competitor, he is a good athlete, and he just really wants to take his chance,” Skipper Joel Selwood told the Geelong Advertiser last month.
Selwood believes Fort is well-and-truly in the race for the No. 1 ruck spot at the Cats, especially with Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott currently on modified training programs because of injury.
And that’s music to the ears of SuperCoaches.
The 25-year-old averaged 105 SuperCoach points per game in the SANFL in 2017 before recording a 124-point average last season after finishing the year as the No. 1 ranked ruckman for disposals, contested possessions and clearances.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Unfortunately for SuperCoaches, Stanley has confirmed his position as the No. 1 ruckman at the Cats and Fort failed to have an impact as forward during the JLT Series.
KEEGAN BROOKSBY (WC) $202,700
JLT Series Scores: dnp, dnp
The 28-year-old played 14 games in his three years at the Suns between 2015 and 2017, spending majority of his time in defence.
But he’s a ruckman.
And Brooksby reinforced the point in 2018, returning to South Adelaide and dominating in the SANFL.
The 198cm Brooksby, who finished the season as the top-ranked SuperCoach ruckman, averaged 15 disposals, five marks and booted 15 goals in 18 matches.
His career-best game at the top level also came when he lead the Suns’ ruck brigade.
In 2016, Brooksby tallied 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven hit-outs-to-advantage, six tackles and 94 SuperCoach points against Port Adelaide in Round 23.
With Nic Naitanui missing, can Brooksby push past Nathan Vardy or fellow recruit Tom Hickey?
The Phantom’s March verdict: It doesn’t look like Brooksby is in the Eagles’ immediate plans after no JLT Series appearance. February was such a nicer time for our rookie-price ruck stocks.
FORWARDS
ANOTHER PRE-SEASON
WILL SETTERFIELD (Car) $144,900
JLT Series scores: 113, 60
In his draft year of 2016, the 190cm Setterfield averaged 121 points in the TAC cup and was the only midfielder in the competition to rate elite for goals, score assists and tackles per game.
He battled injury in his first year in the competition in 2017 but made two appearances, registering 12 disposals, six tackles and 63 points on debut.
In the same year, Setterfield averaged 25 disposals and 116 SuperCoach points in seven NEAFL games.
All the signs were pointing to the tall midfielder establishing himself at senior level in 2018 — and his SuperCoach popularity last summer reflected the belief.
But, unfortunately, a pre-season ACL injury ruined his entire season.
Setterfield is now at Carlton and, again, if all continues to go smoothly with his recovery from a knee reconstruction, is likely to establish himself in the Blues’ midfield this year.
The Phantom’s March verdict: It’s not just likely anymore, Setterfield will establish himself in the Blues’ side this year. A must-have cash cow.
WILLEM DREW (Port) $123,900, mid
JLT Series scores: 77, 86
In the absence of fellow third-year midfielder Joe Atley, the big-bodied 20-year-old has all-but confirmed his position in the Power’s Round 1 side with an impressive JLT Series.
The 188cm Drew, who missed most of last season with a serious foot, injury is ready to step up at the contest in the absence of star Ollie Wines.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Opportunity and a game-style suited to SuperCoach — lock him in.
JACK PETRUCCELLE (WC) $123,900
JLT Series scores: 43, 87
The speedster, who has three career games to his name, booted two goals and tallied 16 disposals in the Eagles’ second JLT Series match and is the leading the race to replace the retired Mark LeCras in the forward line.
The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: A great bench option who will see plenty of early-season action.
DYLAN MOORE (Haw) $123,900
JLT Series scores: 45, 40
In his draft year of 2017, the elite runner dominated the TAC Cup as a midfielder with his 130 SuperCoach points per game ranking seventh in the competition.
Moore averaged 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six score involvements, five clearances and five tackles per game.
The 19-year-old started his journey with the Hawks as a small-forward in the VFL.
And by the end of 2018, he was a very influential one.
In the last two games of Box Hill’s successful finals campaign, Moore, who booted four goals in the preliminary final and then three a week later in the grand final, averaged 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 10 scores involvements and 118 SuperCoach points.
A senior debut isn’t far away.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Looks to have a spot in the Hawthorn side but, as the JLT Series showed, we might not be able to expect many big scores to begin with. Still, Moore is a decent bench option.
NOAH BALTA (Rich) $123,900
JLT Series scores: 100, 52
The strongly-built 19-year-old, who can play at either end of the ground, looms as Round 1 starter after an impressive JLT Series. The athletic big man posted a SuperCoach ton in the first week, on the back of 18 disposals, nine inside 50s, six marks, two goals and seven hitouts and will offer coach Damien Hardwick greater flexibility in 2019.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: He’s bolted into calculations as a SuperCoach bench option.
THE MATURE-AGERS
BEN CAVARRA (WB) $117,300
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
In 2013, the 173cm Cavarra was one of the most-promising midfielders in the TAC, averaging 24 disposals and the 11th-most SuperCoach points of any player to play at least 10 games.
At the end of the season, the Eastern Ranges captain was awarded the Morrish Medal as the competition’s best player.
But he had to wait five years for his shot in the big time.
The left-footer won two best-and-fairest at VFL level for Frankston before crossing to Williamstown in 2017.
At his new club, Cavarra turned himself to one of the best small forwards in the competition, booting 65 goals in the past two seasons.
In 2018, Cavarra averaged 17 disposals, six score involvements, five tackles and 96 SuperCoach points per game.
The Phantom’s March verdict: An ankle injury will see Cavarra miss the start of the season but he’s likely to feature at some stage during the year, making him a great downgrade target.
MATTHEW PARKER (St K) $117,300
JLT Series scores: 61, 36
As a forward, the mature-age recruit has it all.
The 23-year-old stands at 190cm, possesses a great vertical leap and has pace to burn.
Playing in the WAFL last season, Parker booted 27 goals, laid 84 tackles and averaged 13 disposals and three inside 50s per game.
He’s dangerous forward of centre but also has the ability to push through the midfield.
And it’s why Parker, who averaged 76 SuperCoach points per game, is looming as a Round 1 starter at the Saints.
The Phantom’s March verdict: He’s been impressive in the JLT Series and it’s hard to see Allan Richardson not selecting him for Round 1. Start him on your bench.
LACHLAN SCHULTZ (Fre) $117,300
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
The Phantom is beginning to like the Dockers more and more. After picking mature-agers Luke Ryan and Bailey Banfield in the past few years, the club has added another two to their list for the 2019 season.
Brett Bewley, who was mentioned in yesterday’s midfield cash cows, is one and Schultz, a 177cm forward, is the other.
While Schultz might not have the same impact as Bewley, the 21-year-old, who has booted 55 goals in the past two VFL seasons, is also pushing for an early-season debut.
In 2018, Schultz, who recorded a SuperCoach season average of 79, showed his ability to impact the game away from goal, averaging 95 points per game in the second half of the year.
The Phantom’s March verdict: Where is he, Ross!?
JOSH CORBETT (GC) $123,900
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
The 22-year-old forward, drafted from Werribee in the VFL, has been impressive in his first pre-season at the Gold Coast.
With Tom Lynch no longer at the club, the Suns need to replace his marking ability.
And Corbett, who averaged eight marks per game — four of them inside 50 — last season, could help fill the void.
While injury ended his year early, the 190cm right-footer booted 22 goals in nine matches in 2018.
The Phantom’s March verdict: A pre-season injury means he won’t be consider for SuperCoach selection just yet.
THE TOP-PICKS
IZAK RANKINE (GC) $198,300
JLT Series: 32, 32
With many believing he was ready for AFL footy last year, The Phantom expects the electrifying Rankine, who made his senior debut for West Adelaide in the SANFL as a 16-year-old, to have a big impact in 2019 — even at a struggling Gold Coast side. The sublimely-skilled forward, who could push into the midfield in the coming years, tallied more goals, assists and score involvements than any other player and averaged 120 SuperCoach points per game at the 2018 Under-18 championships.
Rankine might not win as much football — his 120-point average came on the back of 16 disposals per game — as some of his fellow draftees but he will turn a game like no other. Expect some high scores despite limited possession.
The Phantom’s March verdict: I’m cooling on the idea of high scores for Rankine in his debut season. And he won’t feature in the first half of the year after suffering bad hamstring injury in the final JLT Series match.
NICK BLAKEY (Syd) $166,800
JLT Series: 31, 54
The talented forward recorded a huge SuperCoach average of 162 in the AFL Academy Series last season.
That’s a huge number, regardless of the competition.
The Swans’ Academy product averaged 17 disposals, eight score involvements and more than four goals per game.
While the 195cm 19-year-old could even develop into a midfielder as his career progresses, expect Blakey to partner superstar Lance Franklin in the Swans’ forward 50 early in 2019.
The Phantom’s March verdict: We can’t always trust key-forwards in SuperCoach but this one is special. But it’s hard to select him, given it’s hard to pick how many games Blakey will play in 2019. The continued absence of Lance Franklin helps his case.
SA stars Western United bound?
LATER IN THE YEAR?
BOYD WOODCOCK (Port) $117,300, mid
Can the No. 76 selection from last year’s draft force his way into the Power line-up?
Going by his pre-season form and performances at senior level in the SANFL last year, he’s a chance.
Woodcock won the McCallum Tomkins Medal as the best player in the SANFL Under-18s in 2017, playing as a midfielder, before moving to a small-forward role at senior level in 2018.
And he had a big impact.
The 175cm 18-year-old averaged 15 disposals, five marks, four tackles, two goals and two assists in North Adelaide’s successful finals campaign.
Prior to his promotion to the Roosters’ league side, Woodcock averaged 155 SuperCoach points from six Under-18 games.
The Phantom’s March verdict: No JLT Series action means no early-season debut but Woodcock could still have a real impact when he’s given a chance.
Originally published as The Phantom’s ultimate Cash Cow guide: All the SuperCoach-relevant rookies, their history and pre-season form
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