SuperCoach 2016: Ultimate guide to best rookie selections
WHICH cheap players should you pick in your SuperCoach side? Here’s the complete run-down of every bargain basement selection worth considering. PLUS NEW PODCAST
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WHERE have all the rookies gone?
The countdown is on to Round 1 SuperCoach lockout and picking the right cheap players for the bench is vital in setting your team up for the year.
So who should we pick?
Look no further. Here are all the rookies you need to know.
SuperFooty editor Al Paton and TAC Cup expert and self-confessed SuperCoach nerd Paige Cardona give a run-down of all the cheap players up for selection, with updated notes following the NAB Challenge.
Note: Averages based on a minimum two games.
WHICH ROOKIES SHOULD WE PICK? EXPERTS AL PATON, GILBERT GARDINER AND BEN HIGGINS NAME THEIR TOP PICKS IN THE LATEST EDITION OF THE SUPERCOACHES BOX PODCAST — LISTEN BELOW:
DEFENDERS
Jacob Weitering (Carl) $220,800
NAB Challenge Average: 81.5
Expensive for a rookie but he’s worth pulling out the cheque book for. The No. 1 pick looks ready to announce himself at AFL level, and Brendon Bolton’s side is screaming out for some class in defence. It’s a lot to heap on an 18 year-old, but if anybody can handle it, it’s Weitering. The former Dandenong Stingray put in scores of 99 and 64 in the NAB Challenge, with his intercept marking a highlight.
Michael Hartley (Ess) $117,300
NAB Challenge Average: 78.3
The mature-age draftee lived up to expectation in the NAB Challenge, with opening scores of 100 and 86 in his first two games, before tapering off in a 100-point drubbing at the hands of West Coast, scoring just 49 points. With an average time on ground at an elite 78.3, it’s clear that Hartley is well and truly in Essendon’s starting 18 in 2016.
Kieran Collins (WB) $117,300
NAB Challenge Average: 67
With a nickname of “Dad” at the kennel (an old head on a young body), Collins looks set for a lengthy AFL career, although he might find himself second in the pecking order to Marcus Adams for that key defensive role. With scores of 72 and 62 in NAB 1 and 2, Collins was left on the bench for most of the Dogs’ final pre-season game, which sounds the alarm bells for Round 1 selection.
Matthew Dea (Ess) $183,600
NAB Challenge Average: 96.5
A picture of consistency in two NAB Challenge games, the former Richmond VFL best-and-fairest winner looks ready to deliver on the opportunity the Bombers have presented. Dea’s average of almost 97 SuperCoach points from 77 per cent time on ground means that if he keeps that sort of scoring up until the byes you could be trading him in at a price of $350,000. LOCK!
Nathan Broad (Rich) $117,300
NAB Challenge Average: 66.5
With scores of 67 and 66, Broad was consistent and although he was brought on board to
help the Tigers with their defensive stocks, he could be the victim of opportunity with David Astbury also vying for a spot in the Tigers’ back six.
Brendan Whitecross (Haw) $198,300
NAB Challenge Average: 63.5
A victim of circumstances, Whitecross may find himself in and out of Hawthorn’s best 22, which is sad considering how important he was in the years he copped ACL injuries. Didn’t play in NAB 3 which doesn’t fill me with hope, and at an awkward price. He’s best left to go through to the keeper at this stage.
Tom Ruggles (Geel) $102,400
NAB Challenge Average: 62.5
The 23-year-old from the Geelong suburb of Leopold is a favourite down at Kardinia Park, and there looks to be a spot for him with news that Jackson Thurlow is out for 12 months with an ACL injury. He featured in two NAB Challenge games for a tidy average of 62.5. There’s more in the tank, and he’s on my bench so I can find out.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Ess) $102,400
NAB Challenge Average: 62.3
The man with the longest name in football got better as the NAB Challenge went on, involving himself in more contests and showing off his speed, quick ball use and courage in the air. Scores of 49 and 58 in NAB 1 and 3 respectively stamps what we can consistently expect from the Tiwi Islander, but a score of 80 in NAB 2 showed coaches how high his ceiling goes.
Ciaran Byrne (Carl) $123,900 def
Set to become a much more popular pick if the Irishman is named in Carlton’s Round 1 team on Wednesday night. The 21-year-old played one game last year before being struck down by hamstring problems. Kicked a ridiculous goal in the VFL recently — watch it here.
Eric Mackenzie (WC) $243,400
NAB Challenge average: 55
The Eagles’ 2014 best-and-fairest winner steps straight back in after missing last year with a knee injury. Can post 70-plus scores but there will be days he doesn’t break 40. Last year Magpie Nathan Brown was a safe bench pick, Mackenzie is in a similar mould except he costs $100,000 more. With other good rookie options down back, we don’t need him.
Nic Newman (Syd) $117,300
NAB Challenge average: 41
A rebounding defender who dominated in the NEAFL last year, Newman showed glimpses of what he can do in the final NAB Challenge game, scoring 66 SuperCoach points. With Rhyce Shaw and Lewis Jetta gone and Ted Richards, Jarrad McVeigh and Zak Jones all injured, there’s a spot in defence up for grabs.
Mitch Brown (Ess) $117,300 def/fwd
NAB Challenge Average: 54.3
Brown got off to a flyer in NAB 1 with a score of 104 points locking him firmly into our sides. But scores of 46 and just 13 in NAB 2 and 3 respectively crash-landed us back into reality. It might be a bumpy ride with Brown, but at that price I’m not complaining. A time on ground percentage of 73 means he’s well entrenched in Essendon’s best 22.
Marcus Adams $117,300 def/fwd
NAB Challenge Average: 60.7
The mature-age WAFL star looks certainly at home at the top level, and looms to be in Luke Beveridge’s best 22 if his NAB Challenge form is anything to go by. Adams was used both forward and back, but looked his best in defence with two scores of 72 reflecting that in NAB 2 and 3. Comes with DPP status, and averaged 79 per cent time on ground. Plonk him up at one end and use Bomber pair McDonald-Tipungwuti or Mitch Brown at the other to active a very handy swing.
Mills is a lock to debut, plus Newman, Papley and Hewett a chance to feature as well. #SuperCoach #AFLFantasy
— Fantasy Freako (@FantasyFreako) March 21, 2016
MIDFIELDERS
George Hewett (Syd) $123,900
NAB Challenge Average: 100
This boy can play. And while the 32nd overall pick from the 2013 draft has waited patiently in the wings for his opportunity, it looks like he’s about to get a crack at an AFL debut. Hewitt opened his NAB Challenge account with a monster score of 118, before being rested in NAB 2, and firing back in NAB 3 with a score of 82. Job security is the only question, but if he’s named Round 1, pick him.
Callum Mills (Syd) $211,800
NAB Challenge Average: 88.7
The superstar junior was a standout in the NAB Challenge with his clean ball use and good decision making, making him a lock for your midfield. With consistent high scores of 95, 72 and 99, to quote John Kennedy — Don’t think, do!
Ryan Davis (GC) $102,600
NAB Challenge Average: 64.7
Ryan who? Set to be upgraded to Gold Coast’s senior list in the wake of David Swallow’s latest injury setback, the mature-age rookie looks like to be in Rodney Eade’s Round 1 thinking after playing every NAB Challenge game. Consistent scores in the 60s will do me at that price.
Clayton Oliver (Melb) $207,300
NAB Challenge Average: 72
Rounding out a trifecta of 200k rookies you’ve got to lock into your sides, Clayton Oliver showed that he is more than ready to play apart in Melbourne’s rise up the ladder. The red-headed wrecking ball got a taste in NAB 1 with a score of 54 points in a short period of the game, before cranking up the volume with scores of 72 and 99 in NAB 2 and 3.
Melbourne's Clayton Oliver already showing he is an inside bull. Even if he looks like Trent McKenzie in the no 13 red and blue jumper
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) February 27, 2016
Ryan Clarke (NM) $123,600
NAB Challenge Average: 56.5
The Roos have beauty here and his score of 83 in NAB 1 highlights his potential, but I’m worried about his job security. Didn’t take part in NAB 3, which tells us he’s a long shot for Round 1.
Dean Gore (Adel) $123,900
NAB Challenge Average: 47.3
Jumped out of the barriers brilliant with a score of 85 points but then fell away in NAB 2 with 39 before being walked over the line with a miserable score of 18 in the final match. Pass.
Lachie Weller (Frem) $206,900
NAB Challenge average: 55
His first NAB Challenge game was easily his best, posting a very respectable 81 SuperCoach points. But that was against a depleted Richmond. He followed that up with a 60 then a 24 which has to put his spot in the team for Round 1 under a major cloud.
Jade Gresham (StK) $144,300
NAB Challenge Average: 59
Gresham is a ball magnet, a contested beast and a clutch player — and his NAB Challenge average doesn’t tell the whole story here. A player who you’d pick based on what he can do during the season, and while he’s still unproven, I’ve seen him turn games on several occasions and he’s firmly in Alan Richardson’s midfield plans this year. A score of 71 in NAB 1 proves he’s got plenty to offer.
Ryan Crowley (Ess) $202,800
NAB Challenge average: 69
Doesn’t fit our strict criteria after missing the final two games of the pre-season comp with a hamstring injury but still a popular pick. Listed as a “test” for Round 1 so watch the teams on Thursday night. Likely to be released from tagging duties at the Bombers but it probably won’t translate into big numbers. Should play every week though. Safe but expensive.
Darcy Parish (Ess) $202,800 mid
Has to pass a fitness test to be named for Round 1 after suffering a hamstring setback after a handy NAB Challenge debut (scoring 69 points against Carlton). At that price Mills is a much safer option.
Ben Keays (BL) $117,300
The Lions academy gun also made just one NAB Challenge appearance, scoring 61 points from 15 disposals. Has the body to play straight away and the Lions have some injury problems, including fellow young gun Rhys Mathieson (who is now unfortunately crossed off our lists after having his jaw smashed by Jeremy Cameron. Thanks, Jezza). Another name to look for when Round 1 teams are released.
FORWARDS
Sam Kerridge (Carl) $137,900 mid/fwd
NAB Challenge Average: 115.5
Pick him or take your bat and ball and go home. Premium output at rookie price is hard to come by, and with the former Crow looking at home in a mixed role between Carlton’s midfield and forward line, his NAB Challenge numbers could just as easily be replicated in the home-and-away season. A seasoned player who finally looks ready to put it all together. Lock! Can also be picked in the midfield.
Connor Menadue (Rich) $155,400 mid/fwd
NAB Challenge Average: 80.3
Menadue’s class with the ball and breakneck speed on the outside of packs is something the Richmond faithful can get used to for the next decade. Looks firmly in Damien Hardwick’s plans in 2016, and that was backed up by a whopping 84 per cent time on ground across three NAB Challenge games.
Ben Kennedy (Melb) $187,800 mid/fwd
NAB Challenge Average: 83.7
The first-round pick from the 2012 draft looks finally set to reach his under-18 hype. Starved for opportunity in this three years at Collingwood, Kennedy’s performance during the NAB challenged screamed class from the onset. Scored of 90, 76 and 85 from an average 73 per cent time on ground. Dual position status is a bonus.
Wayne Milera (Adel) $175,800
NAB Challenge Average: 71
A little closer to the pointy end of the price range for a first-year rookie, but don’t be surprised if Milera slots in for 15-odd games this season. Having played senior SANFL footy before he was drafted, Milera was picked to play straight away and Don Pyke’s need for speed means Milera is at the forefront.
Lincoln McCarthy (Geel) $139,400
NAB Challenge Average: 62.3
Something tells me that McCarthy’s upcoming season is going to mirror that of St Kilda’s Ryan Lonie last year. McCarthy is tough, uncompromising, and with an elite kick looks certain to add a bit of polish across half-forward for the Cats.
Peter Wright (GC) $187,100
NAB Challenge Average: 67
Opportunity beckons for the second-year big man and with Charlie Dixon out of the picture, Two-metre-Peter’s height and accuracy in front of goal are set to see him hold down a key forward role at the Suns. Young key-position players are notoriously unreliable in SuperCoach but Wright is likely to see plenty of senior action early in the season.
Corey Ellis (Rich) $193,400 mid/fwd
NAB Challenge Average: 54
Another player whose output so far doesn’t really do him justice, but the question remains — does Ellis hold his spot in Richmond’s best 22? You’ll have to consider two things here: scoring potential and job security. Consider this though — in the skeleton squad that Richmond sent to Perth, Ellis starred with a score of 72 while the Tigers got smashed.
Nakia Cockatoo (Geel) $172,700
NAB Challenge Average: 53
A stronger and fitter Cockatoo found himself in plenty of teams early; his job security looks assured, but at that price are scores in the 60s going to cut it in SuperCoach? That’ll be something you will need to consider. But the more pressing issue is that Cockatoo will miss two games after copping a ban from the MRP for a sling tackle on Fremantle’s Michael Johnson in the final NAB game.
Tom Papley (Syd) $109,900
NAB Challenge average: 55
The 177cm goalsneak was a surprise packet in the pre-season comp, kicking two goals against GWS and pushing his claims for a Round 1 debut. Watch for a potential rookie upgrade.
Sam Grimley (Ess) $123,600
NAB Challenge Average: 35.7
Sitting on many benches given his DPP ability in either the ruck or up forward, Grimley’s NAB Challenge wasn’t all we were hoping for. Two scores in the 30s isn’t exactly setting the world on fire, but a good option if you’re looking for a bench player who’ll get games. Just don’t be relying on him to score you points on the field.
RUCKS
Daniel Currie (GC) $163,200
NAB Challenge Average: 80.5
If you really want to spend the extra 40k and get a player who looks like to see senior action consistently, then Currie is your man. With scores of 71 and 91, he fared better than Daniel Lobbe, but where does Currie stand when it comes to Tom Nicholls holding down that No. 1 spot? The two showed they could work in tandem, but Currie was left out of NAB 3 which isn’t a great sign for his Round 1 prospects.
Mason Cox (Coll) $117,300 ruck/fwd
NAB Challenge average: 57
The American Pie was a hit during the NAB Challenge. Collingwood has a unique tall option on its hands, but with Corey Gault beating to him to an early-season rookie, Cox is a monty to be upgraded midyear. A handy downgrade option, or simply start him if you’re looking for a loophole option.
Mabior Chol (Rich) $102,400
NAB Challenge average: 22.7
Yet to come across a football fan who doesn’t love this kid. His backstory is great, but his SuperCoach story this pre-season? Not so much. A total of 83 points from three games tells us two things — 1. He is a chance to get a game this year for the Tigers this year given his huge leap and one-touch at ground level; 2. Don’t expect big scores, he’ll float in and out of the games. However, Chol is SuperCoach relevant because of his attractive price point and dual-position status.
Sam Michael $123,900
NAB Challenge Average: 51
An impressive score of 83 in the opening NAB Challenge round against the helpless Blues confirmed that the former Lion could be considered heading into Round 1. The former Lion can go forward and take a grab but he saw limited game time in NAB 2, reflected in his 19-point score, and didn’t play at all in NAB 3. Pass.
Sam Frost (Melb) $217,600 ruck/fwd
NAB Challenge average: 32
Barely qualifies as a rookie but is set to play as a foil for Jesse Hogan up forward this year. Job security is good and DPP is a plus but his NAB Challenge scores were hardly inspiring: 23, 36, 36.
ROBBO JOINS THE BOYS AND DISCUSSES HIS BIGGEST REGRET FROM HIS TOP 50 IN THE FIRST SUPERFOOTY PODCAST FOR 2016
Originally published as SuperCoach 2016: Ultimate guide to best rookie selections
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