The Phantom unveils his favourite rookie defenders from the NAB Challenge

SUPERCOACH expert The Phantom reveals his favourite rookie defenders from the NAB Challenge.

The Advertiser’s SuperCoach expert The Phantom unveils his favourite rookie defenders from the NAB Challenge.

SURE THINGS

Jacob Weitering $220,800 (Carl)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: DNP, 99, 64

While Weitering has shown the class and poise that will make him a star of the competition, his ability to read the play and intercept will ensure the 18-year-old is a great SuperCoach scorer from the outset. Weitering ranked fourth for intercept possessions – a stat that Heath Shaw led – per game across the NAB Challenge.

Matt Dea $183,600 (Ess)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: DNP, 99, 94

With impressive showings in his first two outings in the red and black, Dea is pushing his way to the top of the list of possible Bomber cash cows. There will be no shortage of work in defence for the efficient former Tiger, especially if Mitch Brown continues to swing forward.

Marcus Adams $117,300, fwd (WB)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 34, 76, 72

The powerful, mature-age recruit has all but booked himself a round one debut after a strong pre-season campaign that looks to have him ahead of fellow draftee Kieran Collins.

Michael Hartley $117,300 (Ess)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 100, 86, 49

Hartley’s spoiling and intercept work will be a key to an overworked Essendon defence.

Nathan Broad $117,300 (Rich)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 67, DNP, 66

Another mature-age recruit from the WAFL that is ready to go. The running defender showcased his ball-winning ability in the NAB Challenge and looks set to make his debut for the Tigers on Easter Thursday.

Western Bulldogs recruit Marcus Adams. Picture: Colleen Petch

THINK TWICE

Mitch Brown $117,300, fwd (Ess)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 104, 46, 13

There was no bigger lock in defence than Mitch Brown after his opening NAB Challenge game but, after spending a lot of time forward in the final two matches, there is cause for some concern with the Bomber attack likely to be starved for opportunity at times this year.

Kieran Collins $117,300 (WB)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 72, 62, 0

No game time for the big-bodied 18-year-old on the weekend but after making an immediate impact at the club, remains a chance to line-up on Docker Matthew Pavlich in round one.

WAITING FOR AN UPGRADE

Tom Ruggles $102,400 (Geel)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: DNP, 77, 48

A season-ending knee injury to Jackson Thurlow as opened up a possible opportunity for Geelong’s 2015 VFL best and fairest.

Nic Newman $117,300 (Syd)

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: DNP, 16, 66

The 23-year-old auditioned for the vacant half-back role left by Rhyce Shaw throughout the pre-season but looks to be behind star draftee Callum Mills. Newman, who was prolific at NEAFL level last season, should see AFL action at some stage in 2016.

Originally published as The Phantom unveils his favourite rookie defenders from the NAB Challenge