KFC SuperCoach 2023: The best premium options and must-have stars on every line

You can’t start all the big names in KFC SuperCoach – so who do you go with? The Phantom delivers all the data and rates the best top-price picks in every position.

You know their names, but which KFC SuperCoach stars should you start this season?

Given the salary cap, as much as you want to, you just can’t pick all of the big-scoring guns.

The rookies and mid-price value will dictate how many premiums you select on each line, but that’s only part of it.

Here’s my in-depth analysis, and final verdict following the practice games, on all the top-price options and the premium value in defence ($475k+), midfield ($500k+), ruck ($500k+) and forward ($475k+)

Jack Sinclair was the No. 1 KFC SuperCoach defender last year. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

DEFENDERS

THE $600k CLUB

Jack Sinclair (StK $626,200)

2022 average: 113.7
2022 kick-ins: 85 (Played on with 71) – Ranked No. 1 at Saints

Practice match score: 59

There was a hint at the back end of 2021, when the move to defence became a reality, but Sinclair exploded into KFC SuperCoach premium territory last year, scoring more points than any other defender. The Saints got the ball in the skilful playmaker’s hands whenever they could and Sinclair finished the year as the No. 1 ranked player for total kicks, seventh for effective kicks, and ninth for effective total disposals – second behind Sam Docherty of all defenders. And his 160 handball receives in the back-half ranked fifth in the competition. Sinclair was equally as impressive getting into the right spots to win the ball back, with his 6.9 intercept possessions per game more than noted interceptors Jordan Dawson, Harris Andrews, Shannon Hurn, Luke Ryan and Docherty. Great numbers, but given his influence with the ball, teams this year are surely going to try and close down his space more, like Swan Ryan Clarke did in Round 15, keeping him to 79 points, and Hawk Finn Maginness for the first half in Round 20.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Loved him last year, but I’m not sure he holds his price early in 2023. What will the Saints do differently under Ross? Will further attention come? Enough questions to make him an upgrade target – all going well – at a cheaper price instead.

James Sicily (Haw $624,700)

2022 average: 113.5
2022 kick-ins: 69 (Played on with 66) – Ranked No. 2 at Hawks behind Blake Hardwick.

Practice match score: 96

Sinclair may have outscored him just, but Sicily is a different beast altogether. Who’s going to stop him? The Hawthorn star has a unique ability to defend the opposition’s best forward, while zoning off and attacking at the same time. Although he’s great by foot, his scoring doesn’t rely on just what he does with the ball going forward. Sicily ranked first in the league for total marks and inside-50s, third for intercept possessions and 12th for spoils last season. Add to that his 331 effective kicks – third only to Luke Ryan and Daniel Rich in the league – and Sicily stormed to a career-best season average of 113. Importantly, he’s settled in defence – no more worrying about that in-game forward switch – and appearing more mature on-field.

The Phantom’s final verdict: In and out of my side, but only because of available cash after I tweak elsewhere. Probably still my pick of the $600k+ defenders – the one with the fewest question marks surrounding his scoring in 2023.

Are you picking Tom Stewart in 2023? Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Tom Stewart (Geel $604,000)

2022 average: 109.7
2022 kick-ins: 65 (Played on with 50) – Ranked No. 1 at Cats.

Practice match score: 91

The Geelong star’s price tag is slightly misleading. It’s not often you say there’s value in a $600k price tag but, with Stewart, there might be. If you take out the concussion-affected 39 in Round 12 – the game he was subbed out in the second quarter – Stewart averaged 114 points in 16 matches, a figure that would’ve ranked him above Sinclair and Sicily. If you take out the shock 48-point performance against the Saints in Round 21, when he gave away four free kicks and couldn’t escape the clutches of Mitch Owens, you get an average of 118.5 across 15 home-and-away matches. But therein lies the slight problem with Stewart. He finds ways different ways to miss games, as well as deliver the odd ‘mare. The 29-year-old has missed 10 minor-round matches through injury, suspension or illness in the past three seasons. In the grand final win over the Swans, Stewart was one of the only Cats to have little influence, held to just 16 disposals and 63 points – 15 more than against the Saints earlier in the year – by Ryan Clarke. In 2021, in another hugely contrasting score, he gave away three free kicks on his away to 58 points against the Lions.

The Phantom’s final verdict: I’m being picky, but you have to be at the top price. You’ll want him in your final team, but he’s one I’m happy to wait on, especially with Geelong playing just two games at GMHBA Stadium – a venue Stewart averaged 125 at in 2022 even with a score of 48 – in the opening 10 rounds.

Sam Docherty (Carl $603,600)

2022 average: 109.6

2022 kick-ins: 65 (Played on with 57) – Ranked No. 1 at Blues.

Practice match score: 154

Sam Docherty the midfielder? We’ve seen it before and, from all reports from IKON Park over summer, we’re likely to see it again as Sam Walsh works his way back from injury. In the final two rounds of last season, Docherty moved into the middle and, while he didn’t win more of the ball, given his prolific role across half-back, he averaged 11 contested possessions, eight tackles, eight groundball-gets and six clearances. And over the two-week period, when he attended 75 and 88 per cent of centre bounces, Docherty led the Blues for inside-50s and uncontested possessions. The big jump in key KFC SuperCoach categories resulted in scores of 121 and 138 to finish the year – Melbourne and Collingwood aren’t exactly easybeats in the midfield, either. But it’s a small sample size.

The Phantom’s final verdict: With another eight scores of 120 or more in the first 20 matches of the year, Docherty is a proven scorer in defence. Can’t say he’s exactly that in the midfield yet, but, as the practice match showed again, a few extra CBAs – and the chance to send the ball inside-50 more – will only help his scoring. He’s coming right into the equation, for me.

Jordan Dawson will captain the Crows in 2023. Picture Emma Brasier

Jordan Dawson (Adel $603,100)

2022 average: 109.5

2022 kick-ins: 81 (Played on with 66) – Ranked No. 1 at Crows.

Practice match score: 105

After settling into life at the Crows, and a false start on-ball in Round 1, Dawson showcased his KFC SuperCoach scoring power in 2022. From Round 8 onwards, the skilful left-footer posted KFC SuperCoach tons in 11 of his 15 matches, six of them in excess of 130. The 25-year-old is Adelaide’s best kick by far, and the Crows will continue to give him the ball whenever they can. Last year, Dawson had three more kicks per game than in his final season at the Swans, to rank sixth in the competition for total kicks. Add to that his 81 kick-ins – 19 more than Brodie Smith – and his seven round 50s, four inside-50s, three spoils, and two contested marks per game and you have your reason why Dawson only dropped below 80 once last year.

The Phantom’s final verdict: You’ll know he’s one of my favourites, and that I started him last year. And I might do it again, after the pre-season proved how important he is in the air for the Crows and how trusted he is with the ball. Probably still couldn’t pick him over Sicily – with the thought of more attention in mind – but I might just start both.

THE SMOKY

Angus Brayshaw (Melb $550,300)

2022 average: 100
2022 kick-ins: 3 (Played on with 3) – Ranked No. 7 at Dees

Practice match score: 77

Forget the kick-in stats here, it’s not about those with Brayshaw. As he proved for most of last year, playing an important role across half-back in the early absence of Christian Salem, Brayshaw is still a strong ball-winning in the right position. In the first 19 rounds of the year, Brayshaw averaged 24 disposals, eight marks, seven intercepts and 98 KFC SuperCoach points per game. The big scores – 176, 130 and 126 – were offset by five scores of less than 80. But in the final six matches of the season, including finals, Brayshaw was thrust into the centre bounce mix, after not attending one restart of play before that. In the first three matches after the role change, Brayshaw averaged 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 13 groundball-gets, seven clearances and 116 KFC SuperCoach points.

The Phantom’s final verdict: With Salem struck down by injury again, Brayshaw looks set to return to defence and help fill an early-season void. With that in mind, there are better options.

Mason Redman at Essendon training. Picture: Michael Klein

THE NEXT GROUP

You can’t afford to start all of the $600k stars so nailing the players who take the next step in this price bracket could prove crucial in 2023.

Mason Redman (Ess $510,900)

2022 average: 92.8
2022 kick-ins: 60 (Played on with 54) – Ranked No. 2 at Bombers behind Jordan Ridley.

Practice match score: 73

After averaging 118 points per game between Rounds 10 and 20 last season, Redman is flying on the track, winning the Bombers time trial and getting in Jake Stringer’s face. From Round 12 in that stretch, the 24-year-old hit the target with 149 of his 156 disposals – an extraordinary number and a big reason for his huge scores. But after a career-high 176 points against the Kangaroos, Redman finished with year scores of 68, 63 and 55.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Ridley and McGrath took all the glory in the practice game, highlighting the difficulty in workinghow the points will be split in between a developing Bombers defence in 2023. Redman, who took two kick-ins against the Saints as the Dons also shared those, was high on the watchlist, but I won’t be going there now.

Hayden Young (Freo $508,200)

2022 average: 92.3
2022 kick-ins: 24 (Played on with 21) – Ranked No. 3 at Dockers behind Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox.

Practice match score: 79

The scoring power is there, but like so many young players the consistency isn’t – yet. Including finals, from Round 13, Young posted scores of 142, 104, 58, 89, 88, 139, 110, 78, 85, 89, 120, 105. But even with those ups and downs, Young averaged 24 disposals, eight marks – two of them intercepts – and 99 KFC SuperCoach points across the 12-game stretch. The stats show Young’s bump last year was on the back of his ability to get in the right spots and win the ball back off the opposition but his kicking is still the key. Of the 79 players to average 23 disposals or more in 2022, only Tom Stewart, Daniel Rich, Caleb Daniel and Shannon Hurn recorded a better kicking efficiency than Young (79.4 per cent).

The Phantom’s final verdict: The Dockers play a strong system, and their defence isn’t reliant on one player. Young having just 19 disposals without Luke Ryan in the side only adds to the uncertainty of what that means for KFC SuperCoach. But he was typically efficient, finishing with 79 points, and I’m still backing him to put 10 points on his average this year.

Jordan Ridley (Ess $504,300)

2022 average: 91.6
2022 kick-ins: 83 (Played on with 79) – Ranked No. 1 at the Bombers.

Practice match score: 128

After averaging 102 KFC SuperCoach points per game in 2020, Ridley exploded in 2021, posting scores of 125, 136, 147 and 124 to start the year before being concussed in Round 5. He was inconsistent after that and shifted to a more lockdown role in defence last season. But in the practice match against the Saints, the 24-year-old was at his attacking, intercepting best, tallying 27 disposals, 12 marks and 128 points.

The Phantom’s final verdict: He’s priced at 92 so the value is obvious, if Ridley plays that role in 2023. But, with Max King and Tim Membrey missing, the Saints weren’t flush with dangerous key-forwards. And the Bombers aren’t exactly flush with key-defenders either. So it’s a still an ‘if’.

Nick Daicos is built different. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Nick Daicos (Coll $502,500)

2022 average: 91.3
2022 kick-ins: 52 (Played on with 52) – Ranked No. 2 at Pies behind Darcy Moore.

Practice match score: 72

Not that he needs any help filling the stats sheet, but Daicos played on with every one of his 52 kick-ins during his debut season. And it wasn’t any ordinary debut season. The teenager sensation posted six KFC SuperCoach tons and averaged a remarkable 105 points per game in the final 11 games of the year. Collingwood will start to push him into the midfield but he played the half-back role to a tee in 2022, tallying 179 handball receives in the defensive half, the most of any player in the competition. He’s elite endurance and footy IQ allows him to get in the right position, and what he does with it means his teammates keep giving it to him.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Forget that it’s his second season, this ain’t no ordinary second-year player, hence why he was tagged by Hawk Finn Maginnes in a pre-season game. But I think he can still average three figures, even with some extra attention. Plenty of value around in defence so he probably can’t be your D3.

Harry Himmelberg (GWS $499,000)

2022 average: 90.6
2022 kick-ins: 56 (Played on with 51) – Ranked No. 2 at Giants behind Isaac Cumming.

Practice match score: 43

Where will Harry play in 2023? That’s the question KFC SuperCoaches are dying to know the answer to. The club, itself, posting memes on Twitter about it isn’t helping. Just tell us! And no Brett Montgomery’s recent comments aren’t enough. “Obviously we’ll have the dilemma with Harry Himmelberg who’s a pivotal piece for us and whether he plays forward or back, at the moment he’s spending his time at the forward just to make sure that we’ve got some insurance if Aaron (Cadman) isn’t ready to go early in the season,” the Giants assistant coach said. But he went onto say that he’d “like to think” No. 1 pick Cadman would be ready early in the year before confirming that Himmelberg could start in defence if Jesse Hogan was up and running too. “I see Harry as one of these types that could potentially be an All-Australian centre half-back,” Montgomery added. Well he won’t be if he’s lining up at full-forward.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Sigh. It really does look like he will start the year forward. Avoid – for now.

Rory Laird is the most expensive player in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

MIDFIELDERS

TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE

Rory Laird (Adel $703,900)

2022 average: 127.9

Practice match score: 152

There was absolutely no stopping Laird in 2022. After a pre-season injury and 93-point return in the Showdown, he went bang, scoring KFC SuperCoach tons in 18 of the next 19 games, seven in excess of 140. No one tagged him – that is unlikely to change – and Laird built an almost foolproof KFC SuperCoach game. He ranked first in the league for disposals, second for tackles, third for groundballs, fourth for clearances, fifth for contested possessions and seventh for score involvements. Remember when he finally had a quiet game and you were able to jump on last year? No, you don’t, because it never happened. The $700k price tag is huge, but Laird is probably going to be hard to get all year. So, when do you go?

The Phantom’s final verdict: Reminded everyone just how reliable he is in KFC SuperCoach with 32 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 10 tackles and two goals against the Dockers. I’d now pick him ahead of Oliver if you can’t afford both. It looks a lot to pay, but it’s not if he averages 120-plus from the get-go. And you’ll have him as a VC/C option when others might not.

Clayton Oliver (Melb $699,800)

2022 average: 127

Practice match score: 95

You’re probably not thinking twice about starting the Melbourne star in 2023. A third consecutive average of 120 or more, along with three scores of 160-plus last year, means you shouldn’t be. Oliver has proven he can score against anyone but the Demons play eight of their first 12 matches at the MCG – a venue he averaged 133 points per game at last season. And in those opening 12 rounds, Oliver and Melbourne face seven bottom-eight sides from 2022.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Like Laird, if you can fit him in, you don’t really need to worry about the price, it’s all about the points – maybe doubled. I wouldn’t worry too much about Christian Petracca’s forward comments either. Oliver and Laird for me.

Clayton Oliver has averaged over 120 for the past three seasons. Picture: Michael Klein

Lachie Neale (Bris $676,200)

2022 average: 122.8

Practice match score: 121

This could be some POD – 19 per cent ownership for the player who averaged 135 in the opening 11 rounds last year and finished the season with more KFC SuperCoach points than any other player is low. Neale played 22 games to sit atop the total points leaderboard ahead of Oliver, who missed one through injury. His final home-and-away matches saw his price and average drop significantly, however. In round 22, Saint Marcus Windhager held Neale to 76 points, before he recorded seven clangers and missed targets by hand and foot on his way to 104 points against Melbourne. But he then scored 156 and 131 in Brisbane’s first two finals.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Will the arrival Josh Dunkley help? Probably. Will Dunkley take points of Neale? Maybe. The Brownlow medallist has also shown he is a little more susceptible than the two above to a tag, and that puts him just underneath as a starting selection. But only just.

Touk Miller (GC $662,400)

2022 average: 120.3

Practice match score: DNP

Let’s face it, every player in this top 10 is here because they can score in KFC SuperCoach – Miller is no exception. And, while his price is creeping into there-might-be-more-value territory, the Suns skipper has something all the top guys don’t. Well two things, actually. Gold Coast and the Cats share a stand-alone bye in Round 13, meaning Miller will be one of the only uber premiums available across the difficult three-week bye stretch. He also was the only player in the competition to score more than 150 on five occasions last year.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Not in my side but I’m not against him being in yours, despite the pre-season injury. Yes, it’s a reason to leave him out – you have to be picky at the top end – but it could also a deliver a great, early point-of-difference.

Touk Miller can go huge on his day. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Callum Mills (Syd $642,400)

2022 average: 116.7

Practice match score: DNP

As much I like Mills – he is a long-time Phantom favourite – now we’re really in there-might-be-more-value territory. The Sydney star scored 138 or more six times last season, including the memorable 214-point performances in Round 6. His role won’t change and, in terms of scoring avenues, Mills is as rounded as any top-price option. Last year, Mills averaged 10 contested possessions, seven marks, seven groundball-gets, six tackles, six score involvements, four intercepts, four inside-50s and four clearances per game. But he isn’t in the top few for any category and he was the 45th-ranked player for disposals in the competition in 2022. Sure, that points to plenty of room for improvement, but until he eliminates the 20-disposal-or-less games – of which there were five last season – a 120-point average might to continue to escape him.

The Phantom’s final verdict: I’m still celebrating that KFC SuperCoach double-ton, but, with Sydney’s group of young midfielders expanding rapidly, and Mills’ ability to player wherever his coach needs him, I’ll just be waiting and watching Mills with interest to start the year.

Marcus Bontempelli (WB $639,500)

2022 average: 116.1

Practice match score: 145

KFC SuperCoach, Western Bulldogs and Luke Beveridge – the complicated love triangle we can’t help but get involved in. Last year, five Bulldogs midfielders attended, on average, 50 per cent of centre bounces. At a team like Melbourne, on the other hand, only three midfielders attended more than 35 per cent – Oliver, Christian Petracca and Jack Viney. Back at the Dogs, Jack Macrae spent time on a wing and across half-forward, while Bontempelli was again used forward, given his sublime ability as a target in attack. The results? Fantasy Freako tells me Bontempelli averaged 126 points in the midfield last season, and 97 as a forward. That tells us all we need to know. What we don’t know, though, is just as important. Josh Dunkley (50 per cent CBAs) is gone and Adam Treloar (37 per cent) is facing an uphill battle to be fit for round 1. Rory Lobb is also there to help out inside-50 now, too. So how does Bevo use his best player to start the year?

The Phantom’s final verdict: Did we get our answer in the practice game against the Roos? Bontempelli attended the second-most centre bounces for the Bulldogs and have finished with 13 contested possessions, 10 clearances, two goals and 145 KFC SuperCoach points. I’ll be watching closely because if that role does remain consistent, he’s likely to go 120+. Bevo looms too, though.

Where will Marcus Bontempelli play this season? Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Jack Macrae (WB $634,400)

2022 average: 115.2

Practice match score: 118

Macrae suffered last year, too, recording his lowest KFC SuperCoach season average since 2017. Yet, it was still only one point less than Bontempelli. In 80 matches across the previous four seasons, Macrae failed to score 100 points just 11 times. In 2022, he dropped below three figures six times – and three of those scores came in the final five games of the year. It’s no surprise, his CBA numbers dropped slightly to finish the season.

The Phantom’s final verdict: There might not be a lot of upside in Mills’ price just $8k north of here, but there is in a player who averaged 121 points or more between 2018 and 2021. Looming as a very nice – and surprising – point-of-difference to start the year. But, again, Bevo.

Christian Petracca (Melb $618,600)

2022 average: 112.4

Practice match score: 114

Probably not overpriced, probably not underpriced. Petracca has a scoring ceiling higher than most but, given his effectiveness inside-50 and field kicking issues, his range is also bigger than most. Last year, the 27-year-old scored 125 or more eight times, while also failing to pass three figures in 10 games. It was a similar story in 2021, with Petracca going 125-plus in seven games, but unable to reach 100 in nine. In saying that, though, as mentioned above, Melbourne has a good early run and Petracca will face six sides in the opening 11 rounds that he recorded those scores of 125 or more against in 2022.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Could get off to a flyer, but I think it probably evens out in the end.

Zach Merrett has a reputation as a slow starter, and fast finisher, in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Zach Merrett (Ess $617,500)

2022 average: 112.2

Practice match score: 112

Started slow last year, falling to $520k by Essendon’s bye, before storming home with six scores of 130 or more in his final 11 games. It wasn’t as dramatic but Merrett also lost $80k off his starting price tag the previous season, falling from $601k to $540k by round 11. Then, again, he finish strongly, to post a career-high 115-point average. The year before that? The same thing.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Harsh? Maybe. But fair. I won’t be going there to start.

Andrew Brayshaw (Freo $615,600)

2022 average: 111.8

Practice match score: 84

The young Docker added another five points to his KFC SuperCoach average as his rise to uber premium status continued in 2022. There were big scores again, including a 189-point performance in round 2, but the main reason for the lift was Brayshaw raising his floor. In 2021, he failed to reach 70 three times. In 2022, he passed that mark in every game, scoring 90 or more in 19 or his 22 matches. The next thing he has to do to truly sit among the names above is raise the bat for a KFC SuperCoach ton more consistently. Last year, Brayshaw still failed to reach three figures on nine occasions in a season when he didn’t win much more of the ball per game, but his disposal efficiency took a hit and his clanger count went up.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Had 36 disposals against the Power but nine clangers and just six contested possessions hurt his final score. We shouldn’t judge premiums in pre-season matches and I think he will reach that uber status,but I’m not convinced it will be right away.

THE VALUE PICKS

Jack Steele (Stk $604,400)

2022 average: 109.8

Practice match score: 84

Now we’re talking. The St Kilda skipper averaged 122 and 126 in 2020 and 2021 and then 120 in the opening seven rounds of last year before a quiet game against Melbourne and an injury a week later. He returned in round 15 and posted six consecutive KFC SuperCoach tons. All good numbers. But the key one is 110, the average he’s priced at in 2023.

The Phantom’s final verdict: At his best, Steele is a 120-point man in KFC SuperCoach, so there’s plenty of value at $604k. Did he look slightly off the pace against the Bombers or was it just a pre-season outing? I’m sticking with the latter for now.

Jack Steele is trimmed down and beefed up for 2023. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM $557,400)

2022 average: 101.2

Practice match score: 55

The young Kangaroo, although far from unproven like Steele, could also be 10 points underpriced this year. If you take out the injury-affected 27 from round 2, when he was subbed out after his troublesome shoulder was crunched in a tackle, Davies-Uniacke averaged 105 in 20 games. But it’s what the 23-year-old did when he really got going which was most impressive. The strong, powerful midfielder, who can win the ball at the contest and in space, averaged 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six inside-50s, six clearances and 113 KFC SuperCoach points in the final 11 matches of 2022.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Blitzed the first practice match and the opening term against the Bulldogs, before fading as the Roos’ midfield was overrun. You can probably afford to wait and have a look in the opening two rounds, but I still think a big jump is coming. Still in my side.

Tom Green (GWS $534,600)

2022 average: 97.1

Practice match score: 130

The departures of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have cleared the path for Green, if he can find consistency this year. It’s no surprise the young Giant’s CBA numbers were higher in the opening nine rounds of last year than post-bye. In those first nine games, Green averaged 112 points per game, largely due to a huge start that included scores of 164, 106 and 147 to kick off the year. The Champion Data junior contested possession record-holder won, on average, 15 possessions in a contest in the hot start to the year. As his centre bounce opportunity diminished, along with his ability to get from contest to contest and defend, Green’s form fell away badly. But with another pre-season and a secure role, could it finally be his time?

The Phantom’s final verdict: Yes, it’s time, as the 50-disposal internal trial and 17-contested possession, 130-point performance against the Suns reaffirmed.

Tom Green is ready to explode. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Tom Mitchell (Coll $528,600)

2022 average: 96

Practice match score: 101

In today’s game, Tom Mitchell is built to play one role. Get the footy first, and get it out to his teammates, or tackle anyone else who does. It formed the basis of his Brownlow Medal year of 2019, when he averaged 35 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances and 129 KFC SuperCoach points per game. Last season, though, Mitchell was moved around, featuring on the outside and at half-forward at different times, as the Hawks looked to the future of its midfield. His centre bounce attendance was down 17 per cent as a result. At Collingwood in 2023, he will be back at the coalface helping kickstart his new side’s rapid ball movement.

The Phantom’s final verdict: The way the Magpies move the ball in the modern game, Mitchell isn’t going to be as prolific as he once was on the outside – so there will be no return to a 120-point average. But 105+ could be on the cards, meaning there’s value in his 96-point price tag, even if his ceiling is limited. Gets a big tick for a team-high 16 contested possessions against the Hawks but he’s the one – at this stage anyway – that I’ve sacrificed for some mid-price value.

Rowan Marshall is ready to take over KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

RUCKS

PHANTOM’S TOP FIVE

1. Rowan Marshall (StK $506,500)

2022 average: 92

Practice match score: 155

“I think I am ready to step up now” are the words KFC SuperCoaches have been waiting for, and Marshall delivered them on Channel 7 last week. He’s fit and firing, and even pushed endurance king Brad Hill in a running session according to those watching on at St Kilda training. With Paddy Ryder retired and Tom Campbell having a delayed start to pre-season, the No.1 ruck role is surely his. In 2022, Marshall averaged 101 points per game as the lead man and, on average, was 34 points better off when Ryder wasn’t playing. And in the games he attended at least 90 per cent of ruck contests, his average was 120.

The Phantom’s final verdict: There was some early concern he might be needed forward with St Kilda’s injuries, but not so much anymore. His KFC SuperCoach scoring power as the No. 1 ruckman was on full show against the Bombers – lock him in.

2. Max Gawn (Melb $622,100)

2022 average: 113

Practice match score: 153

The Melbourne skipper is a KFC SuperCoach scoring powerhouse but even he isn’t above the effects of a second ruckman. Gawn still proved vital to the Demons away from the ruck contest in 2022 but there’s no denying a slight tweak in role was detrimental to his KFC SuperCoach scoring. In the seven games Gawn attended 62 per cent of ruck contests or fewer last year, he averaged 86 points. I know. It’s a concern for a player with a $622k price tag, who is about to welcome another top-five player in his position into the game-day rotation.

The Phantom’s final verdict: It’s a still concern, yes, but Gawn looked me straight in the eye through the Fox Footy camera and said Grundy won’t stop him scoring well around the ground. If that actually did happen, I wouldn’t be arguing. So, why not start Gawn and move him forward when he – hopefully – gains forward status in Round 6. That price is still putting me off, but I’m now considering just locking him in.

3. Tim English (WB $581,000)

2022 average: 105

Practice match score: 75

The Bulldogs big man finally went bang in 2022, averaging 128 in his first six matches for the year including big totals of 123, 152, 138 and 160. Problem was, though, he didn’t play that sixth game until round 11, due to a hamstring injury. While he did return with that 160-point display against the Eagles, he was out again with concussion four games later. The good news – and all due respect to the bloke – Stefan Martin has retired. The bad news? English, again, a few minor injury issues over summer.

The Phantom’s final verdict: I’m still not really sure. He was far from convincing against the Roos, but he’s fit now and we know how good his best is. Still right in my Round 1 thinking.

Can you pick Max Gawn or Brodie Grundy this year? Picture: Michael Klein

4. Brodie Grundy (Melb $512,900)

2022 average: 103.5
Practice match score: 80

Again, it’s not about scoring here. Like every player on this list, Grundy is an elite KFC SuperCoach scorer. If you take out the game when Collingwood played Grundy, Cameron and Mason Cox in the same side – yuck – and Grundy scored 53 points, he averaged 114 points in five matches last year before injury. He’s averaged that and more – a lot more – in every season since 2017. But what happens to his scoring alongside Gawn in 2023? Will his ability to win the ball around the ground be limited, like it was on that day against Brisbane last year? It’s hard to be sure right now.

The Phantom’s final verdict: In the pre-season game against the Tigers, Grundy proved that he can be effective as a marking target in attack – but that probably isn’t good for KFC SuperCoach hopes that he would do majority of the ruck work. I’ve cooled on the former Pie to start after his 80 points, which was on the back of a three-goal haul.

5. Jarrod Witts (GC $605,100)

2022 average: 109.9

Practice match score: 101

The only ruckman we can right now guarantee will start and finish as his side’s No.1 big man – barring injury of course – is at No.4, Phantom? Yes, it might seem a bit off, but so was Witts’ finish to the season, with the Suns’ co-captain reaching three figures just four times in his final 10 matches, and failing to score 80 on three occasions. Sure, he tired in his first season back from a torn ACL – a fact that makes his start to the year even more remarkable. But can we really be sure he hits the heights of early last season and stays there at age 30?

The Phantom’s final verdict: We can’t be sure, no, but, as this entire rucks analysis points out, we can’t be sure on a lot. I might be harsh on Witts here, but I’d prefer to spend $600k on Gawn if I’m splashing cash in the ruck.

Stephen Coniglio at Giants training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

FORWARDS

TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE

Josh Dunkley (Bris $596,400, Mid)

2022 average: 108

Practice match score: 146

I’m not going to waste your time here. Dunkley averaged 108 points per game as the fifth midfielder in the Bulldogs’ centre bounce rotation last year. He’s probably No. 2 behind Neale at the Lions.

The Phantom’s final verdict: The first verdict still stands after he dominated as a pure midfielder against the Cats.You can’t not pick him. Yes, that’s really all I’m writing.

Stephen Coniglio (GWS $557,700, Mid)

2022 average: 101

Practice match score: 85

Might need a few more words here, though. But it’s a similar discussion about role. Coniglio is priced at an average of 101 to start 2023 but in the final 12 rounds of last season, he averaged 111 points, after returning to the midfield under caretaker coach Mark McVeigh. The increase in KFC SuperCoach output mirrored an increase in centre bounce attendance. In 2023, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Tanner Bruhn will be missing from that on-ball rotation. It all points to a full-time midfield role, right? We just have to hope his new coach thinks so.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Thankfully, his coach does think so. Conliglio the midfielder is a great KFC SuperCoach scorer and a top-six lock as a forward. Sure, he’s rushed with the ball sometimes and his kicking lets him down, but he makes up for it through sheer weight of numbers – disposals, score involvements and tackles in particular. I’m not concerned about the 85-point score but I can’t squeeze him in at the price – I think leaving others out has the potential to hurt more early on.

Isaac Heeney (Syd $557,4100)

2022 average: 101

Practice match score: 81

The Swans star finished last year’s home-and-away season with seven KFC SuperCoach tons. In that stretch, Heeney booted 16 goals and played a direct hand in 14 other Sydney scores. But you don’t need hear about how influential the 26-year-old, who also started the year with three scores of 130 or more in the opening four rounds, can be. But either side of those seven matches, Heeney recorded scores of 59, 67 and 62 (qualifying final). In the end, he recorded his first three-figure average in KFC SuperCoach.

The Phantom’s final verdict: The price is about right – not for us to start with necessarily, but it’s about what I think Heeney will average this year. There will be big scores, and probably a few low ones. Sydney have too many good young midfielders and he is too good a forward for the centre-bounce dream to eventuate, with Heeney confirming in January the 70/30 forward/midfield split is likely to continue. No change here after Heeney, who did score 81 in 60 per cent game-time, attended just one centre bounce against the Blues.

Zak Butters (Port $529,400, Mid)

2022 average: 96

Practice match score: 67

Butters also finished 2022 with a KFC SuperCoach ton streak, passing three figures in each of the final five rounds. An increased on-ball role didn’t always result in more points, but four of Butters’ five 120+ scores for the year came in games he attended 44 per cent or more centre bounces. In those final five games, the 22-year-old booted seven goals and played a direct hand in 10 other scores, highlighting his ability to impact the scoreboard while playing further up the ground. A fit Butters is likely to be given even more midfield responsibility in his fifth season and teammate Willem Drew is tipping the young star “will take another step in his game”. But the only problem is, in the past two years alone he’s been subbed off injured three times, and spent time on the bench after a head knock in another two matches. There’s nothing he won’t run into – and that’s the problem.

The Phantom’s final verdict: With Connor Rozee flying, Jason Horne-Francis arriving and after his own interrupted pre-season, Butters might be eased back into the on-ball rotation. Like him, but there are better options to start.

Dylan Moore had 15 disposals in less than a half against Collingwood. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Dylan Moore (Haw $521,000)

2022 average: 94.6

Practice match score: 70

In 2022, only Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps and – wait for it – Dylan Moore averaged at least 20 disposals and one goal per game. They are some big names. So, too, are Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, who will be missing from Hawthorn’s midfield this year, opening the door for Moore to spend extra minutes on-ball in 2023. In the five games the 23-year-old attended at least 45 per cent of centre bounces – between Rounds 17 and 21 – Moore averaged 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles, five clearances and 108 KFC SuperCoach points – 13 points more than his starting price suggests. And Moore’s 33-disposal, 11-mark, 147-point performance in Round 7 also proves he can score without the increased midfield role.

The Phantom’s final verdict: No CBAs against the Pies, but he still had 15 disposals, seven contested possessions and two goals in 43 per cent game-time. A great point-of-difference in the forward line – one I haven’t ruled out starting.

Tom Hawkins (Geel $519,500)

2022 average: 94.4

Practice match score: DNP

In each of the past two seasons, Hawkins has played 22 games and averaged 94 KFC SuperCoach points. There will be big scores – at the Cattery and away from it – and, although he’s improved his floor, there will be low ones, too.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Not to start with, but keep in mind Geelong play six of their final 10 matches at GMHBA Stadium.

Tom Lynch (Rich $519,100)

2022 average: 94.3

Practice match score: 52

Speaking of KFC SuperCoach scoring range, Lynch posted three scores of 167 or more last year, but also failed to reach 55 in four non-injury affected games. There were also two matches when he did go off injured, resulting in KFC SuperCoach tallies of 3 and 33. Take those out and Lynch averaged 104 in 16 games and finished the season with scores of 123, 104, 177 and 132.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Those numbers do make you think twice, but I still don’t think we can trust him. Might be a nice get in KFC SuperCoach Draft but as a starting pick in classic? Not for me.

Connor Rozee is a KFC SuperCoach lock. Picture: James Worsfold/AFL Photos

Connor Rozee (Port $513,800, Mid)

2022 average: 93.3

Practice match score: 111

Now we’re talking value – this guy and the next. Rozee is priced at 93 but the Power young gun finally made his mark in the midfield in the back half of last season, averaging 110 across the final 10 games. He’s a midfielder now and Ken Hinkley needs him in there.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Rozee has worked hard on his fitness over summer in the hope of backing up his breakout year and increasing his midfield role – and you could see that in his standout display against the Dockers. Might be Port’s best player by the end of the year – if he’s not already. It’s a big yes from me.

Tim Taranto (Rich $503,100, Mid)

2022 average: 91.4

Practice match score: 124

Tom Green, Jacob Hopper, Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly attended more centre bounces than Taranto at the Giants last year. And Callan Ward, Harry Perryman and Tanner Bruhn were part of the mix at times, too. The list of players at the Tigers that will be at the restart of play more than Taranto is a lot smaller. In fact, there probably is no list.

The Phantom’s final verdict: Brilliant against the Demons and the initial verdict still stands.I wouldn’t pick him as a midfielder-only, given his scoring limitations, based mainly around his efficiency, but as a forward, priced at an average of 91, you can’t not start him.

Jeremy Cameron (Geel $501,500)

2022 average: 91.1

Practice match score: DNP

Like the other key-forwards on this list, Cameron’s scoring history is littered with some huge tallies. But as good as he is for the Cats, his KFC SuperCoach inconsistency means he’s unlikely to ever be a 100-point player.

The Phantom’s final verdict: There’s no value here – not to start with anyway.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2023: The best premium options and must-have stars on every line