Position 2020 Rookies

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Feck me I just realised he's 252k...onto the list you go.
He played really well against the Tigers in that final but only scored 62sc points and for his 22 matches last year averaged 46 points a game might as well get a rookie
 

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SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom analyses and rates every draftee ahead of the new season

1. MATT ROWELL (GC)

Mid, $207,300

2019 U18 Champs ave: 132

NAB League: 171

Like 2018’s No. 1 pick Sam Walsh, Rowell enjoyed a near-perfect junior career, dominating at every level. And he’s justifying the hype over summer at his new club.

RATING: 5 - Lock him in.

2. NOAH ANDERSON (GC)

Mid, $202,800

U18 Champs ave: 107

NAB League: 143

The 188cm Anderson, who was just as dominating in front of goal as he was at the contest at junior level, is a star-in-the-making. But he’s unlikely to feature in the midfield on a regular basis this year and might not be worth the starting price.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

3. LUKE JACKSON (MELB)

Ruck, $198,300

U18 Champs ave: 109

WAFL Colts: 161

There’s plenty of Brodie Grundy in the athletic big man, who has plenty of tricks, and his elite tap-work is matched by an ability to follow up at ground level. But it will take some time before he gets anywhere near the Collingwood star’s level.

RATING: 2 - No to start with

4. LACHIE ASH (GWS)

Def, $193,800

U18 Champs ave: 102

NAB League: 129

Ash’s junior numbers are matched by his standout ability to break the game open from half-back, but the premiership-contending team he was drafted to is not short on quick, skilful playmakers.

RATING: 4 - Consider

5. DYLAN STEPHENS (SYD)

Mid, $189,300

U18 Champs ave: 89

SANFL: 81

In the SANFL, the 18-year-old did his best work on the outside, but he’s shown he’s clean and creative on the inside. And his endurance – and left foot – is turning heads at the Swans already.

RATING: 4 - Consider


Fischer McAsey could debut early for the Crows. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

6. FISCHER MCASEY (ADEL)

Def, $184,800

U18 Champs ave: 97

NAB League: 87

If he does earn a Round 1 debut – something coach Matthew Nicks has suggested is a chance – expect the skilful, 195cm McAsey to play a SuperCoach-friendly intercept role in defence in his first year.

RATING: 4 - Consider

7. HAYDEN YOUNG (FREM)

Def, $180,300

U18 Champs ave: 106

NAB League: 129

The damaging left-footer, who ranked first for intercept possessions at the national carnival, fits new coach Justin Longmuir’s want for an increase in skill level at the Dockers.

RATING: 5 - Lock him in

8. CALEB SERONG (FREM)

Def, $175,800

U18 Champs ave: 129

NAB League: 123

Serong, who has drawn comparison to Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray, will be a popular SuperCoach name in the future, but can he break into the Fremantle midfield during his debut season?

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

9. LIAM HENRY (FREM)

Mid-Fwd, $171,300

U18 Champs ave: 92

WAFL Colts: 133

Fremantle’s Academy gun can switch between the forward line and midfield, in the mould of new teammate Michael Walters, but is set to be eased into senior football after a late-season injury in 2019.

RATING: 2 - No to start with


Tom Green (left) receives his guernsey from Adam Kennedy on draft night. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

10. TOM GREEN (GWS)

Mid, $166,800

U18 Champs ave: 111

NEAFL: 68

Green’s contested-ball numbers at the 2019 under-18 carnival were the best ever recorded by Champion Data and he could develop into a Patrick Cripps-like midfielder. But the GWS engine room will be a tough one to break into this year.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

11. SAM FLANDERS (GC)

Mid-Fwd, $162,300

U18 Champs ave: 112

NAB League: 121

In a side now packed with young midfield talent, Flanders’ ability as a strong-marking, explosive forward with great goal sense – in the mould of Demon Christian Petracca – will see the 18-year-old jostling for a Round 1 debut.

RATING: 4 - Consider

12. KYSAIAH PICKETT (MELB)

Fwd, $157,800

U18 Champs ave: 76

SANFL Reserves: 91

The tough, aggressive excitement machine doesn’t need many touches to have an impact and fills an immediate need in Melbourne’s forward-line.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

13. WILL DAY (HAW)

Def, $153,300

U18 Champs ave: 88

SANFL U18s: 132

The smart defender, who boasts terrific foot skills on both sides of his body, recorded a disposal efficiency of 92 per cent at SANFL under-18 level and 82 per cent at the under-18 championships. But 2020 is likely to be a development year for Day.

RATING: 2 - No to start with


Power recruit Miles Bergman (left) with Robbie Gray. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

14. MILES BERGMAN (PORT)

Def, $148,800

U18 Champs ave: 74

NAB League: 90

Bergman suits Port Adelaide’s want for more speed and versatility and could feature as a high-half-forward from as early as Round 1, especially with recent injuries to Ollie Wines and fellow draftee Jackson Mead. He’s never been a big ball-winner, but he’ll have an impact.

RATING: 4 - Consider

15. CODY WEIGHTMAN (WB)

Fwd, $144,300

U18 Champs ave: 79

NAB League: 89

The small-forward, who was the leading goalkicker at the under-18 carnival, has drawn early praise from his more-experienced teammates after an impressive first pre-season.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

16. COOPER STEPHENS (GEEL)

Mid, $139,800

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 92

The scoring potential is there for the strong-bodied midfielder, who was one of the highest-rated juniors in the country before breaking his leg in 2019. But it’s a tough midfield to break into, especially when you haven’t played a competitive game since April last year.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

17. BRODIE KEMP (CARL)

Mid, $135,300

U18 Champs ave: 101

NAB League: 106

Transformed from key-defender to tall-midfielder late last year and thrived, starring for Vic Country at the national carnival. But he’s been added to the long-term injury list at the Blues and won’t be seen at the top-level for a while.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

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Blues duo Sam Philp and Brodie Kemp. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

18. MITCH GEORGIADES (PORT)

Fwd, $130,800

U18 Champs ave: DNP

Port Adelaide footy boss Chris Davies, this week, described the Power’s top four draftees as “physically capable of competing” and more ready than last year’s trio. But Georgiades, who missed the entire 2019 season due to injury, is down the SuperCoach pecking order.

RATING: 2 - No to start with

19. SAM DE KONING (GEEL)

Def, $126,300

U18 Champs ave: 61

NAB League: 59

The 200cm defender lost just two of his 25 defensive one-on-one contests at any level last year. But, despite averaging six intercept possessions for Vic Country, he won’t be SuperCoach relevant any time soon.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

20. SAM PHILP (CARL)

Mid, $121,800

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 125

He was overlooked for Vic Metro’s squad, but the explosive midfielder, with pace to burn, stormed home in the NAB League, posting a SuperCoach ton in each of his final seven matches.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

21. THOMSON DOW (RICH)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 48

NAB League: 102

The younger brother of Carlton’s Paddy, Dow tallied 23 disposals or more in four of his five NAB League matches last season and won 52 per cent of his possession in a contest. There’s a few ahead of him at the Tigers, however.

RATING: 2 - No to start with


Deven Robertson speaks to the media. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

22. DEVEN ROBERTSON (BRIS)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 128

WAFL Colts: 153

The tough ball-winning midfielder, who captained WA to a national under-18 title, broke Sam Walsh’s disposal record at last year’s carnival and averaged 128 SuperCoach points per game. A must-have if he can squeeze his way into a strong Brisbane side.

RATING: 4 - Consider

23. DYLAN WILLIAMS (PORT)

Fwd-Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 30

NAB League: 90

Williams had his draft year cut short by a back injury, but there was still plenty of glimpses of his talent. The 18-year-old averaged 13 disposals, six score involvements and two goals per game in the NAB League and might pop up inside 50 for the Power this year.

RATING: 2 - No to start with

24. HARRY SCHOENBERG (ADEL)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 121

SANFL Reserves: 89

The 18-year-old’s hands are brilliant at the contest and he also wins plenty of football on the spread. It will be a new look Crows’ midfield in 2020 and Schoenberg has fantasy star written all over him.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

25. JACKSON MEAD (PORT)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 105

SANFL Reserves: 100

The strong-bodied, versatile Mead has impressed at Alberton over summer and might be worthy of an on-field spot in SuperCoach this season, despite the recent hamstring injury.

RATING: 4 - Consider
 
26. WILL GOULD (SYD)

Def, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 99

SANFL: 88

The ready-made defender, who played an important role in Glenelg’s drought-breaking grand final win, delivering with precision from the back-half, in the SANFL could play 22 games this year without a problem.

RATING: 5 - Lock him in

27. JEREMY SHARP (GC)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 82

WAFL: 68

The outsider midfielder is an elite runner with terrific skills and the Suns traded up on draft night to gain access to the 18-year-old, who played six senior games in the WAFL last year. Sharp should get an opportunity in the Marsh Community series.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

28. JOSH WORRELL (ADEL)

Def-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 75

NAB League: 93

There’s plenty of Justin Westhoff in the versatile 195cm Victorian, who played in each third of the ground last year. But Worrell has done most of his pre-season work in defence and looks likely to start his AFL career in the back-half.

RATING: 2 - No to start with

29. FINN MAGINNESS (HAW)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 87

NAB League: 113

The Hawks’ new endurance king, who averaged 21 disposals, five tackles and 113 points in the NAB League last year, has the body to step straight into senior footy in 2020.

RATING: 3 – Watchlist


Harrison Jones was selected by Essendon, but he’s one to avoid in SuperCoach. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

30. HARRISON JONES (ESS)

Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 63

NAB League: 75

The 194cm Jones is a developing big man, who led all key-forwards for score assists per game in the NAB League in 2019. But he’s not SuperCoach-relevant this year.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

31: CHARLIE COMBEN (NM)

Ruck-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 79

The developing big man, who averaged the second-most contested marks at the under-18 championships, has done some nice things in his first pre-season at North Melbourne but we’re unlikely to see him at the top level this year.

RATING: 5 - Lock him in (as your R3 loophole)

32: TRENT RIVERS (MELB)

Def-Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 94

WAFL Colts: 149

Rivers starred at last year’s national under-18 championships with his ball-use and speed from half-back – traits which appear to address the needs of a Melbourne side looking to bounce back.

RATING: 4 - Consider

33: BROCK SMITH (BRIS)

Def, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 69

NAB League: 100

The 188cm defender is tough, hard to beat one-on-one and could play a role in Brisbane’s defence, like Noah Answerth did last year, in his debut season.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

34: JACK MAHONY (NM)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 105

NAB League: 114

The 176cm small forward, rated by Champion Data as the 14th-best player in the draft, led the national carnival for score involvements and score assists and is ready to go after impressing over summer.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist


Flynn Perez of the Kangaroos in action during the pre-season. Picture: AAP Image/Sean Garnsworthy.

35: FLYNN PEREZ (NM)

Def, $117,300

Dnp

Averaged 16 disposals and four intercept possessions in the TAC Cup in 2018 as a bottom-age player but missed the entire 2019 season with an ACL injury.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

36: ELIJAH TAYLOR (SYD)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 67

WAFL Colts: 108

Taylor was rated as the most-talented by WA under-18 coach Peter Sumich and his speed, class and x-factor would add another dimension to a developing Sydney forward line 2020. His scoring potential isn’t as high as some but he could force his way in.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

37: KEIDEAN COLEMAN (BRIS)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 53

NEAFL: 80

Physically-ready after playing 18 games for the Lions’ reserves, as part of the club’s Academy, last season. Coleman booted 11 goals as a forward before impressing as an intercepting-defender in the second half 2019. Tough side to crack, though, despite his versatility.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

38: NICK BRYAN (ESS)

Ruck, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 74

NAB League: 80

The athletic, ball-winning big man, who averaged 13 disposals per game in the NAB League, might be SuperCoach-relevant one day but it won’t be this year. Or next.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

39: CHAD WARNER (SYD)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 89

WAFL Colts: 156

The tough, inside midfielder was the No. 1 contested-ball player at WAFL Colts level last year and only Luke Jackson averaged more SuperCoach points per game. Should score well if he gets an opportunity.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist


Trent Bianco, Trey Ruscoe and Jay Rantall were picked up by Collingwood in last year’s draft. Picture: AAP Image/Sean Garnsworthy.

40: JAY RANTALL (COLL)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 83

NAB League: 121

Given the strength of the Collingwood side and the former Australian junior basketballer’s ongoing development, a debut still seems some way off. But Rantall, who won both of the club’s pre-season 2km time trials, should score well when it does come.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

41: FRANCIS EVANS (GEEL)

Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 82

The 182cm forward booted five goals in his two NAB League appearances last season but that’s where his involvement in elite-level junior football started and finished. But I’m not about to start doubting recruiting mastermind Stephen Wells.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

42: RONIN O’CONNOR (ADEL)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 66

WAFL Colts: 92

O’Connor’s contested-possession rate of 55 per cent for WA last year highlights his ability to win the ball at the contest. Despite his height, the 191cm midfielder, who captain Claremont to a WAFL Colts premiership, will be behind a few at the Crows for a while.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

43: NOAH CUMBERLAND (RICH)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 73

NEAFL: 35

As a member of the Lions Academy, the 18-year-old played five matches for Brisbane’s reserves side in the NEAFL last year, mainly as a forward, finishing with 10 disposals, four tackles and two goals in the grand final win over Southport.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

44: WILL MARTYN (RICH)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 58

NEAFL: 38

Another Lions Academy member who became a Tiger. Martyn played five reserves games for Brisbane but it was his form in the NAB League – 28 disposals and 132 points per game – which stood out.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

45: TRENT BIANCO (COLL)

Def-mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 98

NAB League: 118

The ball-magnet doesn’t win a lot of football in a contest but makes up for it with his efficiency. Bianco, who captain Oakleigh Chargers in 2019, is smart with ball in hand and uses it well on both sides of his body.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist
 
46: HUGO RALPHSMITH (RICH)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 49

NAB League: 88

The athletic running-machine spent most of his draft year playing as a forward but he also showed an ability to run and carry through the midfield. Richmond will let him develop in the VFL – there’s no rush.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

47: SAM RAMSAY (CARL)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 120

He missed out on Vic Metro selection and was the 173rd-ranked player in the NAB League after 11 rounds. But the 180cm Ramsay moved into the midfield in Round 12 and only Matt Rowell averaged more SuperCoach points from that point. The left-footer scored 135 points or more in every game he played as a midfielder.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

48: LACHLAN GOLLANT (ADEL)

Def-Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 59

At 70kg, the 189cm Gollant, who boasts terrific hands, is a long-term midfield prospect at the Crows.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

49: CALLUM JAMIESON (WC)

Ruck, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 62

WAFL Colts: 118

Jamieson was the second-ranked ruckman at WAFL Colts level for disposals, contested possessions and hitouts-to-advantage in 2019 but don’t expect to see him in the AFL for some time.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

50: CAM TAHENY (GEEL)

Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 67

SANFL: 70

One of South Australia’s most-talented draftees battled inconsistency last year but he booted 11 goals in the first three SANFL League matches of his career, proving he’s already a difficult match-up for more-senior opponents.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist


Cam Taheny is one to keep an eye on this year. Picture: Mark Wilson.

51: JAKE RICCARDI (GWS)

Fwd, $117,300

VFL: 63

After booting 38 goals in 2019, the 195cm forward won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal as the VFL’s best young player and the Giants didn’t go after the mature-age forward to fill their NEAFL team.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

52: RYAN BYRNES (STK)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 57

NAB League: 119

The 18-year-old, who wins the ball at the contest and away from it, starred in the NAB League last season, averaging 26 disposals, 12 contested possessions and five clearances. He might surprise if given the opportunity.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

53: LOUIS BUTLER (WB)

Def-Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 67

NAB League: 104

Butler, an impressive runner with great versatility, averaged 23 disposals for Sandringham across half-back last year but the Bulldogs are blessed with ball-winners in that area.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

54: BIGOA NYUON (RICH)

Def-Ruck, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 53

NAB League: 84

The athletically-gifted teenager still has plenty of developing to do but the potential is obvious. The 196cm Nyuon averaged five intercept possessions and two marks playing as a defender last year, while also impressing in the ruck.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

55: TREY RUSCOE (COLL)

Def-Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 82

WAFL Colts: 102

The 190cm Ruscoe averaged 20 disposals, six inside 50s and five clearances playing a midfield-forward role at WAFL Colts before moving to defence at the under-18 championships.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

56: NED CAHILL (ESS)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 79

NAB League: 102

Despite showing glimpses of his ball-winning ability further up the ground last year, Cahill is likely to start his career inside-50 after booting 23 goals and averaging four tackles, six score involvements and two score assists in the NAB League last year.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

57: JOSH MORRIS (HAW)

Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 38

SANFL Under-18: 113

The 186cm forward struggled at the national carnival but dominated at junior level in the SANFL, booting 33 goals from seven under-18 games. Morris is a terrific set-shot for goal but he’ll take some time.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with


Josh Morris, Will Day and Finn Maginness were scooped up by Hawthorn. Picture: Martin Keep/Getty Images.

58: BEN JOHNSON (WC)

Def, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 65

WAFL Colts: 111

Johnson is a lightly-built running-defender, who is just as impressive bursting away from the back-half as he is locking down an opponent. Fits the Eagles mould but he’s unlikely to push past any of his new teammates this year, despite playing league footy in the WAFL.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

59: JAXON PRIOR (BRIS)

Def, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 66

WAFL Colts: 145

Despite the strength of the Lions side, a readymade ball-winning defender, who averaged 28 disposals and seven intercept possessions per game at junior level (WAFL Colts) is straight on the fantasy watchlist. Especially when he made the step up to senior footy with ease.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist

60: JY FARRAR (GC)

Fwd, $117,300

SANFL: 47

He might have only played two SANFL league games as a Crows top-up player but Gold Coast saw enough of Farrar’s eye-catching athleticism and speed. But he’s one mature-age recruit who may not be SuperCoach-relevant.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

61: MICHAEL FREDERICK (FREO)

Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

SANFL U18: 93

The twin brother of Power rookie Martin, Frederick dominated the SANFL under-18 finals series, tallying 20 disposals and three goals in the semi-final before winning the medal as best afield in the grand final.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

62: RILEY GARCIA (WB)

Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: 85

WAFL: 57

The 175cm midfielder averaged 24 disposals, 11 contested possessions and six clearances for WA in the first three matches of the under-18 championships before tearing his ACL in the fourth.

RATING: 2 – Not to start with

63: LACHLAN JOHNSON (ESS)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 94

The son of Brisbane premiership star Chris might have been quiet in his four other NAB League appearances but in Round 2, Johnson finished with 27 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 161 points. But he won’t play in 2020 due to a knee injury.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

64: LEO CONNOLLY (STK)

Def-Mid, $117,300

U18 Champs ave: DNP

NAB League: 89

Lightly-built outside midfielder averaged 20 disposals and five rebound-50s in the NAB League last season but, despite his elite skills, is unlikely to graduate from the VFL in 2020.

RATING: 1 - Avoid

65: TOM HUTCHESSON (GWS)

Mid-Fwd, $117,300

SANFL: 61

The Giants drafted the mature-ager, who averaged 14 disposals and four score involvements last year, from the Crows’ SANFL side for a reason so expect to see him at some stage in 2020.

RATING: 3 - Watchlist


Sorry about being in 3 posts :)
 
Got this weird feeling that RCD will start round 1.
Ok, I'll bite, why? Who does he replace? Is he in before Ross/Graham? There's been stuff all intel from anywhere. I know he did well in the VFL GF but I struggle to see how or where he slots in, Higgins is another option plus Stack. IMO he's only in if injuries strike, but ofc I would like to see him get a crack at it.
 
Ok, I'll bite, why? Who does he replace? Is he in before Ross/Graham? There's been stuff all intel from anywhere. I know he did well in the VFL GF but I struggle to see how or where he slots in, Higgins is another option plus Stack. IMO he's only in if injuries strike, but ofc I would like to see him get a crack at it.
I think he’ll get a game before Ross. Ross and Graham are competing for the same spot. May actually be competing for the same spot as Stack. Higgins won’t be in from round 1
 
The players primed for a Round 1 debut from your club

There is still the Marsh Community Series auditions to come, but a stack of young stars are already banging down the door. See who is closing in on a Round 1 berth at your club.

Jon Ralph, Herald Sun

Subscriber only

Uncapped youngsters have been putting in the hard yards working towards a potential Round 1 berth, and some have already impressed track watchers.

At many clubs there are several spots up for grabs, while at others a debut won’t come easy.

Who is primed for an early debut at your club?

Jon Ralph rates your potential early debutants.




ADELAIDE

No.6 draft pick Fischer McAsey is already pushing for a Round 1 debut as a key back with hard inside mid Harry Schoenberg coming with a bullet and second-year small forward Shane McAdam finally fit enough to push for Marsh Series action.

The Crows could blood Fischer McAsey in Round 1.


BRISBANE

Gun junior midfielder and Larke medallist Deven Robertson hasn’t missed a beat and will play Gold Coast in clash on Saturday alongside many of the kids including dominant NEAFL midfielder Tom Berry and Ely Smith as they audition to break into the senior side.

CARLTON

David Teague has already told fans to cool their jets on pick 17 Brodie Kemp given his ACL rehab that could take most of the year while pick 20 Sam Philp has taken on a full load as an inside midfielder with real pace in match simulation and should see some Marsh Community Series action. He might not debut early but he has some tricks that have excited the Blues fans.

COLLINGWOOD

No.40 draft pick Jay Rantall has barely put a foot wrong with impressive match simulation form and time trial wins but needs to break into an elite midfield. No. 45 pick Trent Bianco hasn’t been far behind him as a classy half back in a team that lost James Aish and has Travis Varcoe injured.

Essendon

Harrison Jones (pick 30) and Nick Bryan (pick 38) were both taken as developing talls and were the Dons’ only picks within 50 given their trades of the previous year. Exciting ruckman Sam Draper will only come back in the second half of the year after his knee reconstruction last year while on the verge of an AFL debut.

Fremantle

Track watchers are impressed with No.7 draft pick Hayden Young’s summer form while Caleb Serong should win early action, having played as a forward in match simulation, but No. 9 pick Liam Henry is only easing into training after a knee cap injury last year.

Geelong

No Jordan Clark-style bolter for the Cats this year but No.50 draft selection Cameron Taheny is already impressing as a lightning quick forward. Cooper Stephens (pick 16) and Sam De Koning (pick 19) have made solid progress but won’t be ready for an early debut.

Gold Coast

Lock in the club’s first two draft picks Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson for Round 1 debuts barring injury, while Izak Rankine burning up the track after his injury-plagued 2019.

Rookie Connor Budarick is a potential Round 1 bolter given his impressive form.

GWS

The club’s No.4 pick Lachie Ash and No.10 pick Tom Greene haven’t put a foot wrong, meaning they are both chances to debut in Round 1.

Ash gives GWS a point of difference across half back, mixing fearsome attack on the footy with daring kicks inboard to leading targets, while inside bull Greene has also stood out in match practice already, with both set to get meaningful Marsh Cup minutes that could lead to early debuts.

Hawthorn

The Hawks couldn’t be happier with the summers of Will Day (pick 13) and father-son Finn Maginness (pick 29), Maginness won a time trial over summer and while Alastair Clarkson doesn’t mind giving away debuts regardless of birth date its a midfield that has Tom Mitchell coming back so will be hard to crack into.

Melbourne

Luke Jackson couldn’t have been more impressive as the No.3 pick, playing ruck, midfield and forward in match simulation. But he would have to get past Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman, with Kosi Pickett’s best eye-catching on the track but the young Demon still finding consistency that will result in a VFL start to the season.

Luke Jackson has even been playing as a midfielder in match simulation.

North Melbourne

The Roos couldn’t be more excited about small forward Jack Mahony, a draft slider after injuries in 2019, after strong work in intra-club match play.

He is a clever forward who finds space and has already been earmarked as a possible early debutante given the Roos are trying to find their next star small forward.

PORT ADELAIDE

Captain Tom Jonas has already lauded the athleticism of No.18 selection Mitch Georgiades, a tall forward, and Jackson Mead’s poise as a half forward after being taken at pick 25 as a father-son. No reason why the Power won’t play the kids early if they are ready as they did with so much success last year.

RICHMOND

Uncapped second-year midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins has had a flawless pre-season after an excellent VFL finals series and is ready to take the next step, but competition for spots in the midfield has never been harder.

As the Tigers joked yesterday, they will likely find a spot for one-gamer Marlion Pickett, while marking tall Callum Coleman-Jones has taken another step after a single game in 2019.

Riley Collier-Dawkins faces a tough ask breaking into the Richmond midfield.

ST KILDA

The Saints first pick in the draft was midfielder Ryan Byrnes (pick 52) ahead of quality ball user Leo Connolly (pick 64) but the influx of mature-aged talent means competition for spots is tough so an early debut might elude them.

Sydney

Isaac Heeney has already been blown away by No.5 draft selection Dylan Stephens, who can seriously use the Sherrin and won a summer time trial for the Swans. Don’t rule out an early debut, while strong-bodied Will Gould has played a season of senior footy before being drafted.

New Swan Dylan Stephens has drawn praise from teammate Isaac Heeney.

West Coast

Callum Jamieson is a developing ruckman taken at pick 49 so will take some time, while Ben Johnson is a beautiful ball user but might take some time to break into an elite side.

Western Bulldogs

No. 15 draft selection Cody Weightman hasn’t put a foot wrong, with Dogs players continually mentioning his X factor and ability to conjure a goal from nowhere. But with small forwards like Sam Lloyd, Bailey Dale, Tory Dickson, Will Hayes, Mitch Wallis and Rhylee West in front of him, can he crack a debut early? The Dogs aren’t ruling it out.
 

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cybajedi
Connor Buderick been training in defence.
Lining up to replace Harbrow.

Excellent runner, fast, pretty skilled.
With the number of lightning, dangerous small forwards around the league, every team needs an athletic small defender. Not without a chance to get games for the Suns.
 
cybajedi
Connor Buderick been training in defence.
Lining up to replace Harbrow.

Excellent runner, fast, pretty skilled.
With the number of lightning, dangerous small forwards around the league, every team needs an athletic small defender. Not without a chance to get games for the Suns.

Budarick is a jet, would love to see him get games sooner rather than later.
 
cybajedi
Connor Buderick been training in defence.
Lining up to replace Harbrow.

Excellent runner, fast, pretty skilled.
With the number of lightning, dangerous small forwards around the league, every team needs an athletic small defender. Not without a chance to get games for the Suns.
He gets a small mention in the article but no details, be great to have a DPP cheapie get games early. Thanks for the summary.
 
A lot of positive chat coming out of Port regarding Georgiades hinting at an early debut.
JS though?
He might be stuck in the HF no man's land which can be tough for experienced players, let alone a developing tall. Watching Mead closely though.
 
JS though?
He might be stuck in the HF no man's land which can be tough for experienced players, let alone a developing tall. Watching Mead closely though.
We said the same thing about Drew and Butters last season, granted different roles but
 
Brisbane could be a source of a few viable options.
As best as I can figure, their first 18 or so are pretty settled, but some competition for spots after that.
Skinner a possibility, if they decide to go with only one genuine ruck. He'd really be competing with McInerney.
They are a little light on for midfield rotations, so I think a genuine mid type will win a spot on their bench. This brings Robertson and Smith into calculations, but they would need to beat out the likes of Berry and Mathieson.
Then one, potentially two HB/Wing types from a list including Birchall, Bailey, Ah Chee, perhaps Christensen, but for SC purposes hopefully Starcevich.

Chance of three SC rookies, but just as likely none
 
We said the same thing about Drew and Butters last season, granted different roles but
Drew was a bigger body and Butters was a cardio freak (didn't he sometimes go for 30km jogs for fun?).

As rookies it tends to be the running types that score better than KPPs, and often for senior players as well.
 
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