The Phantom’s kicking goals with forwards at rookie prices

WITH only a handful of premium set-and-forget options to pick from this season, the rookie-heavy forward line is becoming a popular thought. Keep a close eye on these guys during the JLT Series.

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WITH only a handful of premium set-and-forget options to pick from this season, the rookie-heavy forward line is becoming a popular thought. Keep a close eye on these guys during the JLT Series.

Draftee Ben Ainsworth during the Gold Coast Suns training session.

Ben Ainsworth (Gold Coast) $198,300 MID

Like team-mate Jack Bowes, Ainsworth, the Suns’ first pick in last year’s draft, is well and truly in contention for a round-one debut.

While the dynamic forward is dangerous around goal, the explosive 18-year-old showcased his ball-winning abilities at the latter end of last year’s TAC Cup season.

The clever Ainsworth – whose attributes have been likened to star Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus – averaged 29 disposals in the final four games as he worked his way through the midfield to finish the year with a 119-point SuperCoach average.

Adelaide Crows’ Riley Knight at training at Football Park.

Riley Knight (Adelaide) $201,300

In 2015, the hard running half-forward/wingman was building and, after a standout performance in the Crows’ elimination final victory over the Dogs, all was set for a breakout 2016.

But it wasn’t to be as a serious ankle injury wrecked the majority of his year.

Fast forward to 2017 and the 21-year-old is injury free and flying through Adelaide’s pre-season and looks set to reclaim a spot in the best 22.

If he lines up against the Giants in round one – and The Phantom is almost certain he will – lock him in.

Jarrod Pickett (Carlton) $123,900 MID

The highly-talented speedster, drafted by the Giants at pick No. 4 in 2014, is yet to play a game but – with the Blues crying out for an exciting small-forward after the denatures of Eddie Betts and Jeff Garlett – Pickett should be given every opportunity to make his claim for a round-one berth.

Port Adelaide’s Matt White at Power training at Alberton Oval.

Matt White (Port Adelaide) $198,400 MID

While we can’t expect huge scores from the 29-year-old, after recovering from a shoulder injury that wiped out his 2016 season, he should play.

But, at $198k, we don’t need huge scores. If he can go close to replicating his 2014 season average of 75 – a year that included three SuperCoach tons – he would have done his job as an early season cash cow.

Richmond draftee Shai Bolton at Tigers training.

Shai Bolton (Richmond) $117,300 MID

“I think Shai is going to be a good one for those SuperCoach guys out there.”

Those are the words of Richmond assistant coach Justin Leppitsch during the week.

Although I don’t think we will get a better endorsement than that, just remember, small-forwards can often be inconsistent SuperCoach scorers.

But the exciting 18-year-old, who averaged 108 points in the WAFL Colts last season, looms as a great bench option after impressing down at Punt Road throughout the pre-season with his speed and athleticism. Thanks, Leppa.

Adelaide Crows’ draftee Jordan Gallucci fronts the media.

Jordan Gallucci (Adelaide) $148,800 MID

Competition is hot for spots down at West Lakes but, with the Crows crying out for more x-factor, the 18-year-old draftee remains right in the hunt.

And any player who can score 226 SuperCoach points in a single game – just as the athletic midfielder did in the TAC Cup last season – will forever be on our SuperCoach watchlist.

Tim Smith (Melbourne) $102,400

Now we’re talking.

Every SuperCoach loves a bargain-basement rookie who wins a promotion to the senior list and plays in round one.

And Smith, the 25-year-old, strong-marking forward, who has impressed the Demons over summer, could be the one.

When he’s not crashing packs, the mature-age recruit, who has earned the nickname “Bull”, is harassing opposition defenders as evidenced by his eight tackles in last year’s VFL preliminary final.

New Port Adelaide recruit Brett Eddy.

Brett Eddy (Port Adelaide) $102,400

Could we have two? The Power wouldn’t have picked the 27-year-old, another $102k rookie, who would need to be upgraded, with no intention of playing him.

Eddy was the dominant forward in the SANFL over the past two seasons, booting 74 and 61 goals in each year respectively. Expect him to be on the senior list before round one.

Originally published as The Phantom’s kicking goals with forwards at rookie prices