Be brave - consider The Phantom’s left-field SuperCoach mid-pricers

IT would take a brave SuperCoach to start with any of these four but you don’t win by playing safe. They are not household names but The Phantom has seen enough to suggest they may stay on his radar.

IT WOULD take a brave SuperCoach to start with any of these four but you don’t win by playing it safe. At this point, they are not household names but The Phantom has seen enough to suggest they may stay on the SuperCoach radar for a while yet.

NICK VLAUSTIN (Richmond)

$407,800 DEF

After spending his first four years at Richmond in defence, the 22-year-old looks set for a move into the Tigers’ midfield, renewing the interest of many SuperCoaches who have ignored Vlaustin since his debut year, when he averaged 75.

In his first six games of AFL footy, the versatile Tiger posted three SuperCoach tons but in his next 71 appearances, Vlaustin could only break the 100-point barrier four more times.

Monitor his role in the JLT series.

HAYDEN CROZIER (Fremantle)

$370,700 DEF

The small-forward’s transformation into a rebounding defender has put him on the SuperCoach pre-season watchlist.

In an impressive six-game stretch beginning in Round 10 last year, Crozier averaged 22 disposals, seven marks and 83 points at half-back for the Dockers.

The 23-year-old had another 24 possessions and 10 marks in Round 19 and, if he continues in the SuperCoach-friendly role, a breakout year is well and truly on the cards.

Potential ... Nathan Hrovat breaks away from Jack Ziebell. Picture: Michael Klein

NATHAN HROVAT (North Melbourne)

$301,400 MID-FWD

In a midfield full of young stars, Hrovat struggled for consistent opportunity at the Bulldogs.

While injury made it even more difficult for him in 2016, the 175cm midfielder, who was compared to Eagle Sam Mitchell in his draft year, broke into the side for four games late in the season, with his 28-disposal, 83-point effort in Round 22 showing another glimpse of his potential.

But that first glimpse came in a strong finish to the second half of 2014 – his second in the competition.

The 22-year-old collected more than 20 possessions in four of the last nine games, scoring three SuperCoach tons along the way.

With hist new club North Melbourne currently in the process of rejuvenating its list, opportunity beckons for the ball-winning midfielder.

Hrovat impressed in the Kangaroos’ practice match against Werribee on Saturday, booting four goals playing across half-forward.

BRAYDEN FIORINI (Gold Coast)

$279,100 MID

Can we pick a player based on one game?

If we were going to, the 19-year-old’s second career game in Round 23 last season would be the one.

The classy midfielder dominated against the Power, finishing with 32 disposals, seven marks, 12 tackles, two goals and 125 points in a super-impressive display.

Although it was in a Gold Coast side missing most of its first-choice midfield, we may have a future SuperCoach star on our hands.

Originally published as Be brave - consider The Phantom’s left-field SuperCoach mid-pricers