AFL SuperCoach: The Phantom reveals his best rookie ruck picks from NAB Challenge

YOU might think the third ruck is just a black hole in the SuperCoach universe, but The Phantom has shined a light on the top rookie rucks.

Essendon recovery at St Kilda beach. Sam Grimley. Pic: Michael Klein

The Advertiser’s SuperCoach expert The Phantom reveals the best rookie rucks in 2016.

SURE THING

Sam Grimley (Essendon)

$123,900, Ruck-Fwd

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 46, 30, 31

Although he hasn’t posted big numbers, the athletic, tall forward hit the scoreboard in all three NAB Challenge games and is an ideal dual-position selection at R3 or F8.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Daniel Currie (Gold Coast)

$163,200, Ruck

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 70, 91, DNP

There is no doubting the 27-year-old’s scoring potential, he just needs consistent opportunity. When sharing ruck duties with Tom Nicholls during the NAB Challenge, Currie impressed and, if the Suns opt to take two ruckmen into round one, he could be a great back-up at R3.

Mason Cox is an outside chance of playing AFL this season.

Mason Cox (Collingwood)

$117,300, Ruck-Fwd

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 68, 46, DNP

The big American justified the pre-season hype around his rapid development with two strong performances in the Collingwood attack. The 211cm Cox showed glimpses which suggest he will be a tough match-up for opposition defenders and, although he’s still slightly down the pecking order of Magpie talls, he should see senior action in 2016.

WAITING FOR AN UPGRADE

Mabior Chol (Richmond)

$102,400, Ruck-Fwd

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 38, 28, 2

The Sudanese recruit’s standout pre-season has the 19-year-old putting his hand up for promotion to the senior list. The Tigers have a senior list spot available after Reece Conca was placed on the long-term injury list. Watch this space.

Originally published as AFL SuperCoach: The Phantom reveals his best rookie ruck picks from NAB Challenge