SuperCoach: The Phantom’s best rookie forwards

SUPERCOACH expert The Phantom reveals the best forward rookie options for season 2016.

Adelaide Crows rookie Wayne Milera. Picture: Calum Robertson

The Advertiser’s SuperCoach expert The Phantom reveals the best rookie options heading into the 2016 AFL season

SURE THINGS

Sam Kerridge

$137,600, mid

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 122, DNP, 109

There is no surer thing than the former Crow who has shown his ability to score like a premium.

Ben Kennedy

$187,000, mid

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 90, 76, 85

The 22-year-old, who is classy — especially around goal — was recruited for a reason, and will be given every opportunity to shine at his new club.

Wayne Milera

$175,800

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 84, 54, 75

Speaking of class, this kid has plenty of it. The highly-skilled Milera has created a lot of excitement at West Lakes over summer and his NAB Challenge performances have all-but earned him a round one debut.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Lincoln McCarthy

$139,400

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 86, 41, 60

The 22-year-old, who has battled a number of injuries, is highly rated at Geelong and is eyeing a forward line spot after three goals in the final pre-season match. An Ideal bench option.

Nick Kommer

$123,900

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 29, 60, 34

Kommer might not be a huge scorer but should feature heavily for the Bombers this season and will still generate some cash.

Mitch McGovern

$123,900

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 31, 32, 68

The Crows are a tough forward line to break into but McGovern — the younger brother of Eagle Jeremy — has taken a huge step forward over the pre-season and is a chance to taste senior action in 2016.

WAITING FOR AN UPGRADE

Tom Papley

$109,900

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: DNP, 60, 49

The small, crumbing forward booted three goals and laid 10 tackles in his two NAB Challenge games, putting his hand up to replace the injured Gary Rohan on the senior list.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

$102,400, def

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 49, 80, 58

Essendon’s new cult hero is in line to face the Suns on Saturday week.

Originally published as SuperCoach: The Phantom’s best rookie forwards