SuperCoach 2016: Best forward line rookie picks

WHICH cheap SuperCoach recruits will score you points and make cash in the forward line? These are the names to pick from. PLUS NEW PODCAST

Cats training. Nakia Cockatoo and George Horlin-Smith. Picture: Mike Dugdale

DECIDING whether to pick Buddy Franklin is just the start of the head-scratchers up forward.

After filling four or five slots with big-name stars or mid-price bargains comes the final — and most vital — piece of the puzzle.

These remaining spots are for your rookies — in SuperCoach terms, the bargain basement players who need to play, and score points, to generate wins for your team and fund the blockbuster trades later in the season.

So which rookie forwards should we be looking at? TAC Cup watcher and self-confessed SuperCoach nerd Paige Cardona casts a close eye over the forward 50.

And if you’re looking for Christian Petracca, we covered him in our top midfield picks.

Sam Kerridge (Carl) $137,600 mid/fwd

After leaving the Crows for greater opportunity at Carlton during last year’s player exchange period, Kerridge’s move already looks vindicated by a terrific NAB 1 against the Hawks with a return of 121 SuperCoach points from 28 disposals. The forward-cum-midfielder boasts a huge tank and an eye for goal. Huge value given his job security looks assured in a very young and inexperienced Carlton outfit.

AL PATON, GILBERT GARDINER AND BEN HIGGINS NAME THE WINNERS AND LOSERS OF NAB 1 IN THE SUPERCOACHES BOX PODCAST — LISTEN BELOW:

Tom Phillips (Coll) $117,300

Dubbed Collingwood’s Isaac Smith, the time-trial king jumped to prominence when he pipped Steele Sidebottom in the 2km run. His endurance is elite, and he has the finesse and eye for goal to match. The wingman has a deadly left foot, with an ability to kick goals from long range. He finds the footy with ease and impressed during Oakleigh Chargers’ back-to-back flags, averaging 137 SuperCoach points during last year’s TAC Cup campaign. Adds a bit of polish, but can he force himself into Collingwood’s midfield which is already stacked with talent? His intra-club form suggests he’s in with a shot.

Nick Kommer (Ess) $123,900

A horror run with injury has stalled Kommer’s career. After going unsighted for the past two seasons, Kommer comes in at a tantalising price — particularly with the news he made it through Essendon’s intra-club game last week. We’ll need to see some evidence through the NAB series that his injury woes are behind him but if they are, lock him in, at the very least on your bench.

Nick Kommer is hoping he has buried his injury demons.

Jarrod Pickett (GWS) $123,900

The top-five pick from the 2014 draft is yet to debut for the Giants, but opportunity will surely present itself this year for the crafty, highly-efficient forward. Pickett’s summer has been monstrous off the back of kicking 26 goals from 16 games in the NEAFL last year. He impressed during the Giants’ intra-club, but still might be behind a few in the pecking order. Monitor closely.

Peter Wright (GC) $187,500

A bit of a wildcard option here but Charlie Dixon’s departure could open the door for “Two-metre Peter”. The Suns drafted Wright as a forward when most clubs thought his best footy was in the ruck. A return of 87 SuperCoach points against the Lions in NAB 1 is something to consider.

Ben Kennedy (Melb) $187,800 mid/fwd

A move from Collingwood to the Demons should see greater opportunities arise for the 2012 first-round draft pick. Despite standing out at VFL level, where he averaged 26 disposals a game in 2015, Kennedy was unable to crack Collingwood’s senior team, but his speed, goal sense and ability to find the footy will be an asset for Paul Roos. It will be a bonus if he’s named Round 1 as he comes with handy DPP status.

Ben Kennedy tries to break clear at Melbourne training. Picture: Michael Klein

Liam Sumner (Carl) $123,900 mid/fwd

Originally pick 10 in the 2011 draft, Sumner gets a fresh start at Carlton. While he couldn’t establish himself at the Giants, the fleet-footed forward will get every opportunity to do so at the Blues with plenty of spots up for grabs under new coach Brendon Bolton.

Marcus Adams (WB) $117,300 fwd/def

Built in the same mould as Jack Darling, the mature-age key-position swing man looks certain to taste senior footy for the Bulldogs this year, particularly with Stewart Crameri gone for the year. Adams, 22, was a star at WAFL level last year, averaging 91 SuperCoach points, and impressed during the Bulldogs intra-club, taking some big contested grabs in defence and moving forward where he looked dangerous. Comes with valuable fwd/def status, too.

Jayden Hunt (Melb) $123,900

Hunt, who arrived at the Dees as a skinny, school footballer, is lightening quick and has the desperation, ferocity and competitiveness to match. It’s likely we’ll see Hunt burst off Melbourne’s half-back line over the pre-season after a super impressive summer on the track. A good ball user and decision maker, he’s a player we’ll be hearing loads about this year.

Wayne Milera (Adel) $175,800

Expect Milera to play 10-15 games this year barring injury. The exciting forward who can roll through the midfield boasts elite kicking skills, terrific footy smarts and knows where the goals are. He overcame a rare heart condition to star in last year’s senior SANFL finals and his game is suited to SuperCoach. If he’s named in Round 1, don’t miss the boat.

Adelaide’s top pick Wayne Milera on draft night. Picture: Sarah Reed

AND KEEN AN EYE ON ...

Corey Ellis (Rich) $193,400 mid/fwd

There are big raps on the No.12 pick from the 2014 draft, who had a taste of senior footy last year before injuries ended his season. Can he cement himself into an already-impressive Tiger line-up? Pricey but DPP status is a bonus.

Nakia Cockatoo (Geel) $172,700

The scrapping of the sub rule could see this hugely talented kid jump into calculations for our forward lines. Track his NAB Challenge form before committing.

Really want to try and slot in Corey Ellis and Nakia Cockatoo up forward. Beneficiaries of the scrapped sub vest. Are they best 22 tho? hmm

— Paige Cardona (@paigecardona) February 23, 2016

Originally published as SuperCoach 2016: Best forward line rookie picks