The Phantom looks at rookie midfielders after NAB Challenge

GETTING the right cheap players is the first step to SuperCoach success. Here are the midfielders who caught The Phantom’s eye during the NAB Challenge.

Ryan Davis ... looks likely to be upgraded. Picture: David Clark

PICKING the right rookies can be a huge advantage for SuperCoaches - they can save money while forming a side and quickly become cash cows. Here are some midfielders who caught The Phantom’s eye during the NAB Challenge.

SURE THINGS

Clayton Oliver seems set to give the Demons plenty of punch. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Callum Mills

Sydney - $211,800

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 92, 72, 99

This kid is going to be an absolute star. Mills, 18, looks set to take over from the retired Rhyce Shaw as the go-to man off half-back, after a super impressive NAB Challenge audition. Mills was composed and used the ball with great efficiency and is a lock to debut in Round 1. The Swans’ academy product could average 80-85 in his debut season and is worth his top-end rookie price.

Clayton Oliver

Melbourne - $207,300

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 54, 70, 92

The powerful midfielder – in the mould of Port’s Ollie Wines – has been building all pre-season and all but confirmed himself as a round one starter with 18 possessions and two goals against the Saints.

Connor Menadue

Richmond - $155,400, fwd

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 75, 101, 65

The elite runner has had a big summer, producing a number of eye-catching displays throughout the NAB Challenge. The injury list at the Tigers has only further enhanced the long-kicking 19-year-old’s Round 1 chances.

KEEP AN EYE ON

This sort of thing happens when you’re a ball magnet like Jade Gresham. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano

George Hewett

Sydney - $123,900

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 118, DNP, 82

The running midfielder who can go forward – something he did throughout a standout NAB Challenge campaign – is pushing for senior selection in his third year at the Swans.

Jade Gresham

St Kilda - $144,300

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 71, 47

Everyone knows Gresham was a ball magnet throughout his junior career and, while we haven’t seen huge numbers just yet, the 18-year-old has looked comfortable at the top level and is in the mix for Round 1.

WAITING FOR AN UPGRADE

Ryan Davis ... looks likely to be upgraded. Picture: David Clark

Ryan Davis

Gold Coast - $102,400

NAB CHALLENGE SCORES: 67, 65, 63

The 26-year-old has made a strong case for promotion to Gold Coast’s senior list and – at the basement price of $102k – would be a lock for a bench spot if he’s upgraded.

Originally published as The Phantom looks at rookie midfielders after NAB Challenge