Bailey takes a look at which rookies you should make sure are in your starting squads for both AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach in 2023!
Rookies are so important in AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach, and picking the correct ones is even more important, with successful coaches allowing the rookies to dictate what the structure of their team will be. There are plenty of fantastic rookies for coaches to get excited about this season, and I’ll go through the best rookies to start with in each line.
1. Will Ashcroft (AF $298k $202k MID)
AFL Fantasy – selected by 62.7%
SuperCoach – selected by 74.9%
It should not come as a shock to anyone that Will Ashcroft is the must have rookie this season in both formats. His junior numbers are very impressive, averaging 118 at local under 19’s, 118 at the Under 18 championships and 103 at senior level. He even had a great game in his first hitout for Brisbane, with 26 disposals for 97 points (AFL Fantasy) against Geelong in the practice game. He will play a fair bit in the midfield for Brisbane, but he will also play forward at times (maybe DPP in round 6), as well as potentially some wing time. He should be a lock for your side on your ground.
2. Harry Sheezel (AF $296k SC $198k FWD)
AFL Fantasy – selected by 47.6%
SuperCoach – selected by 37.6%
Harry Sheezel has had a brilliant start to life at Arden Street, fitting in straight away. His silky skills make him a very exciting prospect, and even though his junior numbers aren’t as impressive as some of the other draftees, he is a lock for North Melbourne’s best 22, and can be used in a number of different roles, as showcased in the practice game. He scored an nice 75 points (AFL Fantasy) with 25 disposals, playing up forward, but also spent a little bit of time behind the ball in defence as well. Will be a lock for many at either F5 or F6.
3. Reuben Ginbey (AF $284k $171K D/M)
AFL Fantasy – selected by 52.9%
SuperCoach – selected by 59%
Another player that has fitted in nicely is West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey. He had a minor toe injury that kept him out of the first practice game, and even though his junior numbers aren’t huge (75 average in the under 18 championships), he looked fantastic and scored well against the Crows in their second preseason game, gathering 17 disposals and 5 tackles for 65 points (AFL Fantasy) from 56% game time. Looks to have a 50/50 split between half-back and midfield (looks to be swapping with Elliot Yeo), and is another safe rookie to lock in on your field at D6 for many coaches, but some are putting him at D5 (especially in SuperCoach).
4. Cam Mackenzie (AF $288k SC $180k MID)
AFL Fantasy – selected by 42.7%
SuperCoach – selected by 41.7%
After many coaches didn’t have him in their sides after he missed Hawthorn’s first practice game, many coaches put him in after a brilliant first hitout against Collingwood in their 2nd practice match. Attending the 2nd most CBA’s (only behind Newcombe), he gathered 24 disposals for 92 points (AFL Fantasy) and looked very good doing it too. Has solid junior numbers with an average of 87 at the under 18 championships. Should get plenty of opportunity with Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara no longer at Hawthorn, and he is locked into many sides and on the field after his performance in the practice game. In SuperCoach, with the value in the midfield, some coaches have him on the bench which is also a play.
5. Will Phillips (AF $270k SC $158k MID)
AFL Fantasy – selected by 41.4%
SuperCoach – selected by 48.7%
Unlike the other four guys in this list being in their debut season, Will Phillips is now into his 3rd year. In his first season, he only averaged 43.6 points in AFL Fantasy and 47.9 points in SuperCoach. In his second season, he had battles with injury and glandular fever, and didn’t play a game. Because of this, he is discounted from his 2021 average, putting him at rookie price. Should get plenty of opportunity this season at a rebuilding North Melbourne, and is a great rookie to put on field, but can also be of use on the bench too. It just depends on the structure of your team.
Other rookies to consider:
Darcy Wilmot (AF $200k SC $124k MID) Ownership – 42.8% in AFL Fantasy and 48.4% in SuperCoach
Looked good in Brisbane 3 finals last season and looks to have a wing spot this season. A great basement bench option in defence.
Mattaes Phillipou (AF $282k SC $167k M/F) Ownership – 45% in AFL Fantasy and 44.7% in SuperCoach
Looks to be in St Kilda’s round 1 team, but will have a mostly forward role, pushing up the ground in his first season. A bit more expensive, but a good option at F6 or even on your bench with what would seem like good job security.
Alwyn Davey Jnr (AF $212k SC $117k M/F) Ownership – 26.1% in AFL Fantasy and 42.4% in SuperCoach
Has really shot into calculations over the past couple of weeks, with an eye-catching performance against Gold Coast with 13 disposals and a goal for 58 points (AFL Fantasy). Bench option for both the forward line and midfield, with a potential lack of midfield bench options.
Fergus Greene (AF $200k SC $124k FWD) Ownership – 32.3% in AFL Fantasy and 39.8% in SuperCoach
Looked good in the practice game against Collingwood, kicking 3.2 for 67 points (AFL Fantasy). He is purely a bench option with good job security in a rebuilding Hawthorn side and won’t see the ball consistently down there.
Alex Cincotta (AF $200k SC $102k D/M), Lachie Cowan (AF $242k SC $117k), Campbell Chesser (AF $200k SC $124k), and Oliver Hollands (AF $280k SC $162k) are options to also look at in both formats. Luke Pedlar (AF $213k SC $173k) is an more of an AFL Fantasy option, with options cheaper than him in SuperCoach, while Charlie Constable (AF $332k SC $124k D/M) is much cheaper and a rookie option in SuperCoach, while being a mid-priced option in AFL Fantasy.
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