SuperCoach AFL 2024 Rookie Bible: Who to buy, hold, sell for round 2

Which rookies are in trouble and who should be at the top of the shopping list this week? See our expert verdict on every cheapie.

Getting the right cheapies now can set you up for a year of success in SuperCoach.

Traditionally we get two weeks to assess how bottom priced players perform before moving to make sure we have the best rookies, and jump off any misses, before prices start to change.

This year, everything is different.

Prices in SuperCoach start to change after a player has played three games. In the past that has been round 3 for every club, but this season some teams will play their third game this weekend. And that means you need to move now if you want to jump on a Round Zero cheapie before their price goes through the roof.

There are also a small group of rookies shaping as must-haves based on one game, and others we might want to move out. Ideally wait one more week before making those trades, but in some cases it can pay to do the deal now to clear the decks for next round.

Here are the top priorities for round 2.

TOP TARGETS

1. Blake Howes (DEF) $123,900

Round 1 score: 64 | Break Even: -86

Melbourne defender followed up his 91 in opening round with 64 against the Bulldogs and has the lowest Break Even in the comp. SuperCoach Plus projects a $60k price rise after his next game – don’t miss out.

Melbourne defender Blake Howes is on the bubble this week. Picture: Michael Klein

So is Swans defender Matty Roberts. Picture: Phil Hillyard

2. Colby McKercher (MID)

Round 1 score: 88 | Break Even: -12

Won’t provide the instant cash hit of some others on this list but that doesn’t matter when he’s delivering reliable on-field scores for most of the season. If you are one of the 36 per cent of teams without the North Melbourne gun, use a trade to correct that mistake.

3. Alex Sexton (FWD) $133,400

Round 1 score: 63 | Break Even: -62

Another must-have if you missed the pre-season move to a new role in defence. Could argue he’s a higher priority than McKercher because his price will change this weekend.

4. Matt Roberts (MID) $156,800

Round 1 score: 69 | Break Even: -56

Not replicating his huge junior numbers at AFL level just yet but a very reliable scorer with a great role at the Swans. SuperCoach Plus predicts he’ll be $50k more expensive next week.

Tom Berry has made a flying start to 2024. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

5. Tom Berry (FWD) $163,500

Round 1 score: 104 | Break Even: -75

One from left field, Berry is in just 1 per cent of teams but is projected to jump $60k in value after his third game after a surprise SuperCoach ton in round 1. That might be his highest score of the year but Dimma loves pressure forwards so his role is secure.

6. Aaron Cadman (FWD) $127,600

Round 1 score: 72 | Break Even: -56

Has kicked two goals in each of his first two games and faces a depleted North Melbourne backline this week. The problem is he has a bye the following week.

7. Caleb Windsor (MID/FWD) $180,300

Round 1 score: 72 | Break Even: -30

Christian Petracca told us all to pick him in the pre-season and he has been vindicated with two strong scores. Being subbed off against the Dogs is a slight worry though.

Aaron Cadman is growing in his second season. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

8. Oliver Dempsey (FWD) $148,400

Round 1 score: 96 | Break Even: -41

Looked fantastic with three goals and seven marks against the Saints, more than justifying the slightly elevated price. His price won’t change until after round 2 so we can watch him against the Crows before committing, but could be No.1 on this list next week.

9. Marty Hore (DEF) $123,900

Round 1 score: 60 | Break Even: -13

Missed Round 0 so his price won’t change this week but he’s the best of the backline cheapies most coaches don’t already own. And plenty are in the market for one with injuries to popular cheapies Josh Gibcus and Zach Reid.

10. Jack Carroll (MID) $123,900

Round 1 score: 74 | Break Even: -70

Might have the best role of anyone on this list, attending 52 per cent of centre bounces for the Blues last round. Carlton has a bye this week so no rush to get him but we might need to put a trade aside next week to lock him in.

Others to watch: Jeremy Sharp, Toby Pink, Zane Duursma, Harvey Gallagher, Kallan Dawson

Pass: Charlie Dean, Jacob Wehr, Harvey Thomas, Seth Campbell

Mature-age Melbourne recruit Marty Hore. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

GOT TO GO

Josh Gibcus (DEF) $150,700

Round 1 score: 19 | Break Even: -11

The young Tiger is out for the year after suffering a heartbreaking ACL injury. Despite the heading the smart play might be to sit him on the bench for a week given it’s Best 18 scoring in round 2, then make a more informed decision on his best replacement next week.

ON NOTICE

Jhye Clark (MID) $123,900

Round 1 score: 13 | Break Even: 34

Ryley Sanders (MID) $184,800

Round 1 score: 43 | Break Even: 26

Finlay Macrae (FWD) $152,600

Round 1 score: 28 | Break Even: 30

Buku Khamis (FWD) $123,900

Round 1 score: 51 | Break Even: -4

Nick Coffield (DEF) $123,900

Round 1 score: 49 | Break Even: -2

Chris Burgess (FWD) $129,100

Round 1 score: 34 | Break Even: 15

Shaun Mannagh (MID-FWD) $117,300

Round 1 score: 29 | Break Even: 15

Jhye Clark had 13 disposals for just 13 points against St Kilda. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

With so many rookies on the wish list, some cheapies will have to make way. Ideally you give all these players another week because we know rookie scoring can be a rollercoaster – any one of these guys could produce a Tom Berry like performance this round.

Expect the Cats to back in Clark but he will struggle to make quick cash with a 13 in his price cycle, and if Mannagh is the sub again he probably needs to go.

Surely Bevo can’t sub off Sanders again, can he?

Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2024 Rookie Bible: Who to buy, hold, sell for round 2