SuperCoach 2017: The Phantom’s midfield bolters from week one of the JLT Series

WHO should we be drafting into our SuperCoach team after week one of the JLT Series? The Phantom has 10 midfielders to add to your watchlist.

Jobe Watson has still got it. Picture: Michael Klein

WHO should we be drafting into our SuperCoach team after week one of the JLT Series?

It’s dangerous to jump early based on one pre-season performance but The Phantom was watching very closely and saw a lot to like in the midfield.

Here are 10 more names to add to your watchlist.

EYE CATCHING THE PHANTOM’S DEFENSIVE STARS FROM WEEK 1

TOUGH CALLS: THE PHANTOM’S HEAD-TO-HEAD MIDFIELDERS

Darcy Parish (Ess) $392,600

There is no doubt the No. 5 draft pick from 2015, who averaged 72 points in his debut season, is a star of the future. But, after registering 24 disposals and 100 points, from just 63 per cent game time, in an impressive showing against the Magpies, the future could be now.

Jobe Watson (Ess) $453,300

The banned Bombers are back and — not that we ever really doubted it — Watson has still got it. The 32-year-old’s terrific hands in-close were on show from the outset and, even though he only played 62 per cent of the game, Watson finished with 19 disposals, nine contested possessions, six clearances and 92 points.

Sam Menegola (Geel) $486,400

With Joel Selwood missing, Menegola partnered up with Patrick Dangerfield to lead the Cats’ midfield and the 24-year-old ball magnet picked up where he left off last season. Menegola, who averaged 99 points in the final six games of 2016, picked up 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions — only Dangerfield had more — eight clearances and 90 points.

Josh Kelly recorded 151 SuperCoach points. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Josh Kelly (GWS) $473,800

In a midfield missing Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio, the 22-year-old dominated, recording 29 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles, three inside-50s, three rebound-50s and 151 SuperCoach points. The other stars will return but Kelly’s class may soon see him past most of them.

Daniel Lloyd (GWS) $117,300

The strongly-built 25-year-old, who is on the Giants’ rookie list, was impressive inside forward-50 against the Eagles. The 187cm, 86kg medium-sized forward had 10 disposals, eight tackles, two goals and two goal-assists to finish with 115 points. But, even if he wins promotion to the senior list, Lloyd faces a tough task breaking into the talent-ridden Giants’ side.

Will Setterfield (GWS) $193,800

While he will face a similar issue to Lloyd in his first year, the Giants’ academy star — taken at pick No. 5 in last year’s draft — showed off his SuperCoach scoring potential in his first game. The tall, inside midfielder won 16 possessions — 12 of them contested — to finish with 80 points.

Clayton Oliver has worked hard on his fitness. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Clayton Oliver (Melb) $382,500

Melbourne’s young midfield bull, who looks to have worked hard on his fitness over summer, is one to permanently add to your future SuperCoach watchlist. Oliver, who spent only 68 per cent of the game on the ground, registered 21 disposals — at 86 per cent efficiency — 10 contested possessions and 101 points.

Aaron Hall (GC) $519,800

The 26-year-old did it all against the Lions, finishing with 33 disposals, 13 contested possessions, nine tackles — a stat that would’ve pleased coach Rodney Eade — nine clearances, 11 inside-50s and 147 points. The offensive side of his game has never been questioned. It was just what he did when Gold Coast didn’t have the ball that came under the spotlight in 2016. Has all been forgiven?

Jordan Foote (Sydney) $182,800

While he wasn’t prolific, the 21-year-old midfielder, who spent time forward, was efficient, finishing with 81 points from 11 possessions — seven contested — three inside 50s and a goal. Foote broke into the senior side for one game last season and he’s around the mark again.

Dayne Zorko (Bris) $593,000

We often dismiss the star SuperCoach forwards who lose their dual-position status and get thrown in the large pool of midfield options. It happened with Patrick Dangerfield early in his career and even Robbie Gray last season. But we can’t forget about Zorko, who cruised through the Lions’ first JLT Series match, tallying 16 disposals, 11 tackles and 129 points.

Originally published as SuperCoach 2017: The Phantom’s midfield bolters from week one of the JLT Series