One for the real bargain hunters

IT IS usually in the midfield where the best SuperCoach cash cows are found and 2017 appears no different. The Phantom unveils his early-season favourites.

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IT IS usually in the midfield where the best SuperCoach cash cows are found and 2017 appears no different.

While the JLT Series will give us a better understanding, The Phantom unveils his early-season favourites.

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Port Adelaide’s Sam Powell-Pepper gets a handball away at training at Alberton.

Sam Powell-Pepper (Port Adelaide) $135,300

The strong-bodied midfielder/forward, in the mould of Richmond star Dustin Martin, is ready for senior football and looks set for an early-season debut.

The 19-year-old has been turning heads over summer with his strong attack on the ball and body and, if he can show enough during the JLT series, we could see him in round one.

Team-mate Ollie Wines played all 22 games in his debut season, averaging 74 SuperCoach points and Power-Pepper has the potential to do the same.

Essendon’s David Myers at training at Tullamarine. .Picture: Michael Klein

David Myers (Essendon) $133,700

The 27-year-old is a SuperCoach gift.

An 85-game midfielder, who averaged 86 points in 2014, at $133k? Yes, please.

The only concern is his body, which has let him down in the past, and just how long it takes for the young Bombers to go past him.

St Kilda open training Nathan Freeman Picture:Wayne Ludbey

Nathan Freeman (St Kilda) $123,900

After crossing from Collingwood to St Kilda at the end of 2015, the supremely-talent, yet injury-plagued, midfielder is one of the most talked about untried players we’ve seen.

But after an uninterrupted pre-season, including a number of impressive time-trial results, is 2017 the year we finally see what all the hype is about?

A long-awaited round one debut awaits.

Richmond’s Jack Graham at training. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

Jack Graham (Richmond) $117,300

While a hamstring injury has interrupted his pre-season, the ready-made 19-year-old should see plenty of senior action in 2017.

The inside midfielder, who impressed the Tigers with his two-way running, won the Larke Medal as best player in division one of the 2016 Under-18 Championships, after averaging 25 disposals at the carnival.

Jordan Foote (Sydney) $182,800

After averaging 31 disposals, five clearances and seven tackles in his last 5 NEAFL games of 2016 and breaking into the senior team for one appearance in round 18, the insider-midfielder is right in contention to help fill the void left by Tom Mitchell. Watch his JLT series closely.

Brisbane Lions’ Hugh McCluggage at training at Yeronga.

Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane Lions) $202,800 FWD

If you want the best, you have to pay for it and the classy 18-year-old, who possesses similar traits to Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury, could be worth the money in his debut season.

The smooth-moving midfielder, who averaged 27 disposals and 143 SuperCoach points and booted 25 goals in 12 TAC Cup games last season, should be a part of the Lions forward line in round one.

Draftee Jack Bowes during the Gold Coast Suns training session.

Jack Bowes (Gold Coast) $171,300 FWD

Suns coach Rodney Eade has declared that Bowes is in the mix for a round one spot after doing everything in his first pre-season.

The Gold Coast Academy product averaged 19 possessions in the seven games he played for Suns’ reserves last season, with his 31 disposals, eight clearances and eights inside 50s in the elimination final the highlight.

The tall, skilful midfielder, known for his footy smarts, should have no trouble taking the step up to the big time right away.

Jake Barrett (Brisbane Lions) $127,900

The 21-year-old ball-magnet, who averaged 29 disposals in the past two NEAFL seasons, could only manage one senior appearance in his three years at the Giants.

But, with the Lions swooping on the delisted free-agent in the off-season, the tough on-baller, who is currently on the rookie list, could get his chance in a developing Brisbane engine room.

Originally published as One for the real bargain hunters