KFC SuperCoach 2022: Doctor SuperCoach reviews every practice match
He is flying under the radar but a hugely discounted midfielder might not be for much longer after an insane performance at the weekend. See all the practice match standouts.
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Footy is back ... well, practice matches at least for the 2022 AFL season.
But there was plenty to learn when selecting our KFC SuperCoach sides.
From new roles to rookies, mid-price temptation and players who might (or might not) live up to the summer hype, the expert team from Doctor SuperCoach were watching every practice match closely.
Here’s their take on what you need to know.
Essendon 81 def Western Bulldogs 74
MISSING IN ACTION
Essendon: Michael Hurley, Jake Stringer, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Western Bulldogs: Bailey Smith, Hayden Crozier, Sam Darcy, Josh Bruce, Tim O’Brien, Alex Keath
THE MAGNET: DARCY PARISH $621,300 MID – 94 KFC SuperCoach points
After a breakout year in 2021, the Dons most prolific ball-winner was at his best again against the Dogs. After approximately 28 touches in three quarters of football, there is no denying Parish has a scoring ceiling as high as anyone in the game. However, don’t expect teams to allow him as much freedom as he was afforded on Wednesday afternoon; Mark O’Connor could have him in his sights in Round 1.
MORE: PRACTICE MATCH KFC SUPERCOACH SCORES
THE CLASS: ZACH MERRETT $625,700 MID – 90 points
Despite not having a ceiling as high as some of the top midfielders, Merrett showed again in 2021 that consistency comes easy for him. Against the Dogs, Merrett was deployed in a rotating half-back/midfield role with Andrew McGrath for part of the match and finished with around 24 disposals. The uncertainty in his role means there might be better starting options – but he’s definitely one to consider later in the season.
THE INTERCEPT KING: JORDAN RIDLEY $537,100 DEF – 104 points
With the inclusion of Jake Kelly into the Bombers’ defensive line-up, it is expected that as one of Essendon’s cleanest ball users, Ridley will be freed up to play his natural intercept game in 2022. This was validated against the Dogs when Ridley took 11 marks. However, there may be some concerns around his involvement in kick-ins (approximately 35 per cent). Watch the next pre-season match closely to see if the Dons deploy a “closest to the ball” method for kick-ins again before picking him.
THE MIDFIELD GRUNT: JOSH DUNKLEY $558,200 MID/FWD – 124 points
Dunkley picked up where he left off at the back end of 2021 – back in the engine room and amassing roughly 35 disposals and 12 clearances. He found himself involved in the third-most centre bounces for the Dogs, which may be slightly inflated due to the large reduction of CBAs (centre bounce attendances) for teammate Marcus Bontempelli.
THE FLASH: ADAM TRELOAR $483,200 MID/FWD – 93 points
Finishing with approximately 27 disposals, five marks and a goal, Treloar looked in hot form against the Dons. He attended eight centre bounces and pushed forward finding the footy around the ground while also laying three tackles. If your trade boost strategy involves taking risks on high upside players, then at $483,200, you might be looking at Treloar.
MR RELIABLE: BAILEY DALE $518,300 DEF – 120 points
Dale once again looked the go-to man out of defence for the Dogs, taking a game-high number of kick-ins to go along with his 30 touches and five marks. His 120 SuperCoach points were the third-highest in the game and he is a reliable scorer in this role, despite a kicking efficiency lower than ideal (70 per cent).
Carlton 67 def St Kilda 60
MISSING IN ACTION
Carlton: Harry McKay, Tom De Koning, Liam Stocker, Sam Docherty, Sam Walsh, Jack Martin, Caleb Marchbank, Lewis Young, Ed Curnow
St Kilda: Nick Coffield, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Dan Hannebery, Jarryn Geary, Paddy Ryder, Rowan Marshall, Dougal Howard
YOUNG GUN RETURNS: CHARLIE CURNOW $224,300 FWD – 47 points
After a run of horror injuries, Curnow looks to be fit and firing and ready for Round 1. He had a slow first half, but picked up the pace in the third quarter, taking plenty of marks and hitting the scoreboard. He did go off early with a sore knee but after the game the club suggested it was precautionary only and he should be good to go next week. He looms as a great cheap option who is well worth a start.
THE POSITION SWITCH: MITCH McGOVERN $256,000 FWD – 71 points
James Sicily, Jack Ziebell and Jeremy Howe are just several names who thrived in a third tall defender role, can McGovern do the same after switching to the back half? After ironing out the kinks early, he performed well in the second half, clunking intercept marks and taking kick-outs. One to watch in next week’s games.
FALLEN STAR: PATRICK CRIPPS $454,800 MID – 98 points
After two disappointing seasons, can the Blues captain return to greatness? He was the best midfielder on the park and was at his bulldozing best, looking fit and ready to explode. Cripps is cheap, but whether he can score well consistently is another story. It would take an almost 30 points improvement per game for him to match it with the upper end of premium midfielders.
NEW TEAM, NEW ROLE: GEORGE HEWETT $399,000 DEF/MID – 99 points
Hewett gained defender status after he was forced to do different roles at Sydney, but with Sam Walsh out early, Carlton may have found their midfield answer. He attended 14 centre bounces and looked lively, winning contested balls and tackling hard. Hewett could be a good mid-pricer down back if the rookie options start to thin out.
BACK TO THE BASICS: ZAC WILLIAMS $461,100 DEF – 76 points
After originally being recruited to play midfield, it looks like Carlton has accepted Williams belongs on the half-back flank. He was the star of the show in the first half, using his dash and flair distributing the football. He has a history of scoring well in this role before, but can we trust him? He has never played a full season without an injury.
ROOKIE BIBLE: ALL THIS YEAR’S TOP SUPERCOACH CHEAPIES
CRAFTY RETURN: JADE GRESHAM $299,000 FWD/MID – 41 points
Gresham has been a popular pre-season pick so far, but is he really the answer? He attended an underwhelming two centre bounces, but looked good around the ground. There are question marks on his role however, as it’s hard to maintain good scoring as a predominant forward in a likely weaker St Kilda side.
Melbourne 132 def North Melbourne 44
MISSING IN ACTION
North Melbourne: Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jed Anderson, Ben Cunnington, Aaron Hall, Luke McDonald, Aiden Bonar, Tristan Xerri, Charlie Comben
Melbourne: Jake Lever, Jack Viney, Harrison Petty, Bayley Fritsch, Luke Dunstan, Jake Melksham
THE NUMBER ONE: JASON HORNE-FRANCIS – $207,300 MID – 83 points
“JHF” started in a forward pocket but worked his way into the match, with his tackling and attack on the ball a real highlight of his game. He attended 12 centre bounces, so he balanced his time forward and in the midfield. Unlike other draftees who often take some time to get physically ready for the rigours of AFL football, Horne-Francis looks a ready-made player after spending time playing SANFL last year. JHF looks to tic boxes for both job security and scoring potential, making him a solid rookie selection.
THE SEAGULL: JACK ZIEBELL $585,800 DEF – 114 points
Ziebell was all the rage as a mid-price selection this time last year, but he comes with a lofty price tag in 2022. He looked to be in the role that he had last season, where he based his game around intercepts and rebound-50s – a very SuperCoach friendly game style. Jack only averaged 86.2 in the final five matches of 2021 but was a force to be reckoned with earlier in the year. With Aaron Hall expected to be sidelined for the beginning of the season, does this mean Ziebell will have that “seagull” role all to himself to start with?
THE BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: TARRYN THOMAS $459,300 MID/FWD – 81 points
Many SuperCoaches are hoping for a Thomas breakout season this year, but there weren’t too many positives for him to come out of this match. He did some nice things but ultimately struggled to really make his mark on the contest. Tarryn played some midfield time (14 CBAs), however, with the Roos set to regain onballers for the AAMI Community Series, does he still get the same midfield minutes? One to monitor.
THE BEST AND FAIREST: CLAYTON OLIVER $672,000 MID – 123 points
Oliver left the field with a finger issue on the stroke of quarter-time but returned to the field after the break and was as solid as ever. He’ll be looking to spearhead the Dees’ back-to-back campaign alongside Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca in the guts this year. His burst out of the stoppage and ability to rack up possessions were on show yet again and it looks as though there will be no premiership hangover for the Melbourne #13.
THE PREMIERSHIP CAPTAIN: Max Gawn $657,400 RUC – 138 points
The concern with Gawn is whether he splits ruck time with Luke Jackson in 2022, and while this may happen, he’s still a bona fide star of the competition and should score well. Gawn was dominant against the Kangaroos, taking contested marks at both ends of the ground. It appears Jackson will continue to play second fiddle to Gawn this year, meaning the big Demon is still a solid pick in SuperCoach.
Brisbane Lions 138 def Adelaide 49
MISSING IN ACTION
Brisbane: Deven Robertson, Dayne Zorko, Keidean Coleman, Eric Hipwood, Rhys Mathieson
Adelaide: Fischer McAsey, Rory Sloane, Paul Seedsman, Jordan Dawson, Taylor Walker, Wayne Milera, Brodie Smith, Tom Doedee
THE STAR: LACHIE NEALE $543,200 MID
After some comments from Chris Fagan about Neale potentially playing in the forward line this year left a question mark over the head of the prolific ball-winner, many coaches will have dropped Lachie Neale from their squad. However, against the Crows, Neale looked back to his midfield best. Although he spent some time forward, he also presented at a game-high 22 centre bounces and added a handy two goals to his stat sheet.
THE RETURN: CAM RAYNER $278,600 FWD
Rayner was slow to start and after 12 months on the sidelines with an ACL injury, that was always to be expected. He looked competitive in the contest and didn’t seem to be apprehensive on his knee, twisting with strength and presenting well at each of his 12 CBAs. Coaches will hope he can find more of the footy in the next AAMI Community Series game before selecting with confidence.
THE MID-PRICE STAR: JARROD BERRY $268,500 MID
Berry started well with approximately 10 touches to go with one goal in the first quarter. He continued to look strong at stoppages and found himself in 12 CBAs and three goals by full time, in a potentially best-on-ground performance, raking in a huge 158 KFC SuperCoach points. At $268,500 his role makes him hard to ignore and he currently should be in your side.
ROOKIE WATCH: JOSH RACHELE $184,800 MID/FWD
Adelaide’s No.6 pick in last year’s draft showed why he is rated so highly by many in the AFL world. In addition to his three goals, Rachele showed poise and class in possession, moving well around the ground and presenting often. Playing as a small forward doesn’t normally scream “pick me” in KFC SuperCoach, but the way he moved up the ground and presented himself, there is certainly something special about Josh Rachele.
ADD TO WATCHLIST: DARCY WILMOT $139,800 DEF
Brisbane’s first pick in the 2021 draft has been described as classy, composed and as a good user of the ball. Darcy showed exactly that during his first outing for the club, with a spot up for grabs in the Lions’ backline due to the retirement of Grant Birchall. He is on the cusp of the Lion’s best 22, but it is yet to be seen which side of it he will fall. With few obvious rookie picks in defence, Wilmost is a must-watch next week.
Gold Coast 76 def Port Adelaide 55
MISSING IN ACTION
Gold Coast: Jack Lukosius, Jack Bowes, Sam Day, Rory Thompson, James Tsitas, Jarrod Witts, Ben King, Mac Andrew, Bodhi Uwland, Charlie Constable, Connor Budarick, Elijah Hollands
Port Adelaide: Orazio Fantasia, Miles Bergman, Charlie Dixon
THE YOUNG STUD: JOSH SINN $157,800 DEF/MID
Sinn looms as one of the best defensive cheap prospects this season and his outing on Friday did no harm to his Round 1 aspirations. His elite kicking and ability to break the lines were traits he displayed for the Sandringham Dragons and he’s certainly displaying those early days at Port Adelaide. Sinn kicked a goal and had about a dozen touches, fingers crossed he performs well again in the Power’s official practice match against Adelaide.
THE RETURNING YOUNGSTER: MATT ROWELL $342,900 MID
After playing one of the best first months ever seen by a draftee in the early parts of 2020, Rowell has really struggled with injuries since. Between knee and shoulder issues, he has been unable to recapture the form that set the competition alight. He played visibly hurt throughout 2021, but the early signs are that he is fit and firing this season. His tackle numbers were around seven, a team-high, while he also amassed approximately 18 possessions. Keep a close eye on how he tracks against Geelong.
THE RETURNING YOUNGSTER V2: ZAK BUTTERS $443,600 FWD
Like Rowell, Butters’ 2021 campaign was plagued by injuries. Power coach Ken Hinkley seems to have pencilled Butters in for more midfield minutes this year, which is a massive positive for SuperCoaches. Butters racked up the possessions on Friday, notching approximately 28 disposals and five tackles playing primarily through the middle. We know his ceiling is massive (163 in Round 2 last year) and he could be worth a punt as a discounted premium forward selection this season.
THE WORKHORSE: TOUK MILLER $677,800 MID
Post Round 5 last year, the Suns superstar averaged an astonishing 131.1 KFC SuperCoach points per match. Unlike other premium midfielders, Miller’s work rate and hunger to get to every single contest means a tag should not affect him as much as it might others. He was at his elite best in the trial match, racking up over 30 possessions.
THE ROLE CHANGE: LACHIE WELLER $400,300 MID/FWD
Weller is yet to hit his straps at the Suns, after the club gave up the No.2 pick in the 2017 national draft for his services. However, he took a stack of kick-outs against Port Adelaide and looked calm and composed off half-back, gathering about 26 disposals. His precise kicking and smooth moving could be an asset for the Suns in their back half. Potentially better options are available around his price, but he is an add to your watchlists.
Collingwood 141 draw with Hawthorn 141
MISSING IN ACTION
Collingwood: Jordan De Goey, Jordan Roughead, Jeremy Howe
Hawthorn: Jarman Impey, Changkuoth Jiath, Will Day, Chad Wingard, Luke Breust
ROOKIE WATCH: JOSH WARD $180,300 MID
The 2021 pick 7 had the opportunity to line up on the wing for most of the afternoon, with a couple of stints right on-ball. His first few touches were clangers and he faded slowly out of the game, until he finally found his feet in the third quarter. Ward would have doubled his possessions for the day within this third “quarter” (of six played in this game), however, with his elevated price tag he will need to show more next week.
THE POSITION SWITCH: SCOTT PENDLEBURY $492,300 MID
Pendlebury was rumoured to make a move to the half-back line in the off-season, and his role in this match confirmed this move. Pendlebury hardly spent any time on ball in the first two-and-a-half “quarters”, with most of his touches coming across half-back. Pendlebury took five kick-ins during this time, but played on with just one of them. Once Pendlebury gains defensive status, he could be a top back selection.
THE RETURNING PREMIUM: JAMES SICILY $448,100 DEF
Sicily accumulated around 20 touches in the first three “quarters”, with seven marks and a trademark 50m penalty against for umpire abuse. Sicily was comfortably roaming around the backline looking for opportunities to cut the ball off with his intercept marking. It is important to keep in mind that the Hawthorn backline was missing Will Day, Jarman Impey and Changkuoth Jiath, so it will be interesting to see the impact on Sicily once they return.
ROLE CHANGE: JACK CRISP $571,000 DEF/MID
With Pendlebury and Nick Daicos spending time down back, Crisp was able to spend almost the whole game running through the midfield. While it was typically Taylor Adams or Patrick Lipinski getting their hands on the ball first, they often dished it out to a running Crisp, a play that occurred half a dozen times on the day. Crisp was prolific, especially in the first half, finishing with 19 touches, equal most for the Pies.
THE GREAT PIE HOPE: NICK DAICOS $193,800 MID
Collingwood’s first pick from the 2021 draft came in with a lot of hype – and he was able to come away with a passing grade. With 17 touches and a goal, Nick played a split of midfield and defensive time, especially with Isaac Quaynor down early with a head knock. Nick was also able to cheekily steal two kick-ins from Scott Pendlebury, playing on from both. If Daicos wasn’t on your radar already, it is time to lock him in and throw away the key.
MIDPRICE WATCH: JAI NEWCOMBE $261,300 MID
The mid-season draft pick was an absolute bull in the contest, recording 18 centre bounce attendances. Newcombe was possibly best afield for the Hawks, accumulating and disposing of the ball very well. Newcombe was known last season for his tackling, so if he can add becoming a high-possession ball winner to his resume, he may become a tempting cash cow. Add him to your watch list for next week!
BARGAIN BASEMENT: CONNOR MACDONALD $117,300 MID
Pick 26 in last year’s draft, MacDonald started the match quite well, with his ball use a real highlight. Recording around 10 touches, MacDonald was splitting his time as a high half forward, pushing up the ground and as a winger. Typically MacDonald started on the wing whenever Josh Ward was on the bench or in the middle, however, until Will Day, Jarman Impey and Changkuoth Jiath return, it is not known exactly what role Connor will play in the Hawthorn side. At his low price, it is worth putting him in on the bench and checking him out again in the AAMI Community Series.
GWS Giants 126 def Sydney 95
MISSING IN ACTION:
Swans: Callum Mills
GWS: Toby Greene, Jacob Hopper, Sam Taylor, Adam Kennedy
ROOKIE WATCH: DYLAN STEPHENS $167,800 MID
The 2019 pick 5 has never really had an opportunity to make his mark in the Swans line-up. With the departures of both Jordan Dawson and George Hewett, Stephens finds himself just inside the Swans best 22. While his role looked very good on the wing, it really took him until the third “quarter” (of six) to get going. A watch for next week’s pre-season game.
THE MIDFIELD MOVE: ISAAC HEENEY $454,500 FWD
Heeney has been rumoured to play more midfield than forward time in season 2022. While he recorded 13 centre bounce attendances this match, he really fell away quickly after blitzing the first quarter. His hot start dissipated as GWS got on top of the Swans and Heeney reverted to his usual high half-forward role. Without Callum Mills, the Swans really struggled in the midfield battle, which wouldn’t have helped Heeney in this match.
MR RELIABLE: JAKE LLOYD $586,600 DEF
The KFC SuperCoach stable down back played his usual accumulating defensive role. Lloyd was expected to regain a lions share of the kick-ins with the departure of Jordan Dawson. Interestingly, Nick Blakey as well as Brayden Campbell, split the kick-in duties with Lloyd, making him fair value instead of extremely underpriced. He still remains a top defensive option, however.
THE LOCK: STEPHEN CONIGLIO $261,300 MID
After a disappointing 2021 season, Coniglio looked reinvigorated as he rejoined the GWS midfield. With 13 centre bounce attendances, Congilio played primarily as a midfielder and had plenty of ball. Even though Jacob Hopper was out, the fact Coniglio can be selected as a forward in KFC SuperCoach makes him a very solid selection. Lock him in and throw away the key!
LONG AWAITED RETURN: BRAYDEN PREUSS $204,700 RUC
Most of our hopes and dreams for the perfect starting side were resting on Preuss being a viable second ruckman. Unfortunately, Matt Flynn was given the opportunity to ruck solely until the fourth quarter. Once Preuss was activated at 3QT, he moved into the ruck and pushed Flynn forward. This did not last long, however, with Kieren Briggs used in Q5 as the main ruck and Preuss moved forward. A head knock ended Briggs’ day early though, with Preuss able to get an extended run in the ruck. The ruck situation screams risky, but it is a wait and see on how GWS lines up next week.
Fremantle 141 def West Coast 44
MISSING IN ACTION
Fremantle: Sean Darcy, Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters, James Aish, Luke Ryan, Darcy Tucker, Joel Hamling, Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus
West Coast: Liam Ryan, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Oscar Allen, Luke Shuey, Liam Duggan, Jamie Cripps, Tom Cole, Jack Darling
THE NEXT BIG THING: ANDREW BRAYSHAW $584,300 MID
While most eyes have been on Caleb Serong this pre-season, Brayshaw firms to have another breakout year and burst his way into the best SuperCoach scorers in the game. With Adam Cerra moving to Carlton, expect Brayshaw’s usage to increase. He was best on ground and had the ball on a string, and could join the 110-plus club in 2022.
BORN AGAIN: WILL BRODIE $224,300 FWD/MID
The former Sun took full advantage of his time in the middle, pouncing on loose balls and weaving his way through traffic with ease. He is cheap and forward eligible with good scoring upside as long as he can cement his spot in the team once Nat Fyfe and David Mundy return.
NAILED HIS CHANCE: HUGH DIXON – TBA
West Coast didn’t have many highlights this game, however Hugh Dixon likely earnt himself an AFL contract. The ex-Fremantle forward was best afield for the Eagles, marking strongly and kicking goals. He should be a cheap rookie option as long as he gets formally signed.
SMOOTH OPERATOR: NATHAN O’DRISCOLL $123,900 DEF/MID
The young outside player looked at home at AFL level, displaying great vision and hitting targets like he was a seasoned veteran. Although he faded after halftime, O’Driscoll has likely done enough to cement a spot on the wing and half-back flank come Round 1. Lock him in your team for now.
NEXT BIG THING: CALEB SERONG $451,000 MID
Serong has had plenty of buzz around him since Adam Cerra departed, and he started the season with a bang. He attended 26/28 possible centre bounces and patrolled the midfield collecting the ball at will. The youngster is priced to average just 82 and looks set to have a breakout season. Will he be able to match it with the top SuperCoach midfielders, however?
THE RUCK POD: NIC NAITANUI $627,400 RUC
Nic Nat looked very fit and was still damaging despite a lack of support around him. If Naitanui can elevate his playing time even more this year, he has scary upside when it comes to his scoring potential given he typically has the highest points per minute in the league. He remains a genuine POD to Brodie Grundy, Sean Darcy and Max Gawn.
Geelong 147 def Richmond 142
MISSING IN ACTION:
Geelong: Mitch Duncan, Gary Rohan, Sam Menegola, Gryan Miers, Jack Henry, Toby Conway, Jon Ceglar
Richmond: Trent Cotchin, Daniel Rioli, Kane Lambert, Jack Graham
ROOKIE WATCH: SAM DE KONING $123,900 DEF/FWD
A bargain basement rookie with dual-position status is always very high on our watch list. Unfortunately, De Koning clearly had a defensive role without much freedom, limiting his ability to gather possessions and therefore lowering his SuperCoach appeal. With Jack Henry missing, too, Sam is truly a fringe player at best – it may pay to look elsewhere.
THE POSITION SWITCH: HUGO RALPHSMITH $206,700 FWD/MID
With Bachar Houli retired, a half-back spot for Richmond is right up for grabs. Hugo did his chances no harm with an eye-catching performance. He started slowly in the first quarter, but in the second and third, really built up the confidence, recording around 15 touches. Given Hugo is already listed as a forward/midfielder, he cannot obtain defensive status during the season. However, his cheap price makes him well worth a look.
BACK TO HIS BEST? DUSTIN MARTIN $503,500 FWD/MID
A notably slimmed down Dusty was one of the Tigers’ best in this match, with his midfield time clearly on the up compared to last season. With Trent Cotchin and Jack Graham missing from the match, it is hard to be certain that midfield Dusty will remain all season, but if he does, he would be close to a lock in our starting sides. Martin would have recorded over 30 possessions with half a dozen clangers in typical Dusty style.
MR RELIABLE: JAYDEN SHORT $535,200 DEF
Many coaches have been quick to jump on Short, noting that his SuperCoach average spikes in games Bachar Houli has missed in the last two years. In this first quarter alone, Short would have had at least 10 touches and six marks, before a quiet Q2 and Q3. In Q4 it was a similar story as the first quarter with Short having heavy usage. He remains an excellent pick to take into season 2022.
THE RETURN: TOM STEWART $585,700 DEF
Most players coming back from foot injuries take a while to get going, but Stewart is no ordinary footballer. He was at his absolute best from the first minute, taking intercept marks and using his elite foot skills to pick out teammates. Stewart doesn’t seem to have lost a beat and looks like he could replicate – or even better – his amazing season from last year.
MIDPRICE MADNESS: TYSON STENGLE $247,500 FWD
New recruit Stengle was electric, with his pace and footy smarts on show for Geelong. Unable to be contained, he kicked four goals and ended up being one of the Cats’ best. His SuperCoach price is a tad on the high side for a cash cow that is reliant on goals, but if this performance is anything to go by, he could be kicking plenty of goals this season. Add him to the watchlist for next week’s Community Series match!
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Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2022: Doctor SuperCoach reviews every practice match